DANGERS AND NESTS
⚠️ The danger of the Asian hornet
The Asian hornet is not an insect like any other. Present in France for several years, it now represents a real danger to biodiversity and to humans.
🐝 A predator of bees
The Asian hornet primarily attacks bees. It positions itself in front of hives and captures them one by one.
This constant pressure exhausts the colonies, which often end up dying. The disappearance of bees jeopardizes pollination, which is essential to nature and agriculture.
🌿 An imbalance for nature
In addition to bees, the Asian hornet hunts many beneficial insects. Its presence disrupts the natural balance and impoverishes local biodiversity, including in our villages like Bouessay.
🚨 A risk to humans
The Asian hornet is not aggressive away from its nest, but it becomes very dangerous if it feels threatened.
When a nest is approached, they may attack in groups. The stings are very painful and can be serious, even fatal, especially in cases of multiple stings or for people with allergies.
🏠 Nests often found close to homes
Nests can be found in trees, hedges, roofs, garden sheds or near passageways.
An unreported nest poses a danger to residents, children, walkers and animals.
❗ Never intervene yourself
Destroying a nest is a dangerous operation that must be carried out by trained and equipped personnel.
If you have any doubts or discover a nest, it is essential to report its presence quickly.
🐝 The Asian hornet's nest
The Asian hornet builds impressive nests, often discreet, but potentially very dangerous.
🏗️ What does a nest look like?
The nest is usually spherical or pear-shaped, and light brown in color.
It is made from chewed wood fibers, giving it a papier-mâché appearance.
A nest can reach 60 to 80 cm in diameter and contain several thousand hornets at the end of the season.
📍 Where are the nests found?
Nests can be installed in many places:
at the top of the trees
in the hedges
under the roofs
in the attics
in garden sheds or agricultural buildings
They are sometimes very tall and difficult to spot, especially when the leaves are present.
📅 Two types of nests per year
In spring, the queen establishes a small primary nest, often low and well hidden.
In summer, the colony builds a secondary, larger nest, often high up, which becomes the most dangerous.
⚠️ Why is a nest dangerous?
An Asian hornet nest is very well defended.
If you get too close, the hornets may attack in groups.
The stings are painful and can be serious, especially in the case of multiple stings or in sensitive individuals.
❌ Never attempt to destroy a nest yourself
Even if seemingly empty, a nest can still contain hornets.
Any intervention without adequate protection exposes individuals to serious risks.
The best solution is to report the nest so that a safe intervention can be organized.
