Practical Guide: 2.7 Vespa velutina, Asian hornet

The Asian hornet is an invasive species that poses a significant threat to honeybees and other insects. Its presence requires increased vigilance due to its ability to spread rapidly and its impact on colonies. The following information is based on the official checklist 2.7 of the Swiss Bee Health Service.

Official Practical Guide – Summary

Practical Guide: 2.7 Asian hornet

• Pest: The Asian hornet is an invasive exotic species that feeds notably on bees.
• Distinctive signs:
  • Dark body with yellow leg tips.
  • Hunts by hovering in front of hives.
  • Large nests, often located high up.
• Consequences:
  • High predation pressure on forager bees.
  • Reduced flight activity.
  • Weakening of colonies.
• What to do:
  • Observe and document any suspicious presence.
  • Report observations immediately.
  • Do not attempt destruction without authorization.
• Important point:
  • The Asian hornet is subject to official monitoring and control measures.

► Open the practical guide PDF directly (FR)
If the link is no longer active: ► Go to the official practical guides page (abeilles.ch)

Summary prepared on the basis of Practical Guide 2.7. Last checked: 01/2026.

See also:

• Practical Guide: 2 Diseases and pests
• Vespa velutina, Asian hornet
• The Asian hornet is arriving in Switzerland
• Practical Guide: 2.7.1 Instructions for a mesh-protected hive entrance
• Practical Guide: 2.7.2 Nest search by triangulation