The Asian Hornet is Rapidly Spreading in Switzerland
Published: Wednesday, Jun 28th 2023, 07:50
Updated At: Friday, Oct 13th 2023, 14:12
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The Asian Hornet is rapidly spreading in Switzerland this year, with 66 sightings in seven cantons, according to the Bee Health Service (BGD). The favourable weather conditions this year are aiding its spread. Asian Hornets feed on insects, particularly wild and honey bees, to feed their larvae. If food becomes scarce in nature at the end of summer, they may attack bee colonies, although this has not yet happened in Switzerland. To protect native honey bees and other pollinators, it is important to quickly destroy as many nests as possible, according to the BGD. The Asian Hornet was first spotted in Switzerland in 2017 and has since been found at 24 locations in eight cantons (AG, BL, FR, GE, JU, NE, SO and VD). It can be identified by several features, including being slightly smaller than native hornets and having thin yellow stripes on its abdomen.
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