Thionville: The development of Asian hornets worries beekeepers
The proliferation of Asian hornets has been increasing in France and Moselle in recent years. This invasive species was classified as a pest by the European Union in June 2016, particularly due to its danger to bee colonies. The pest is now well established in Moselle and the surrounding area of Thionville. Beekeepers in the region are working before summer to limit its spread, but also to protect their bees from this new scourge. "Right now, the queen bees are emerging after spending the winter in the warmth. Asian hornet nests perch in the treetops. From a nest left in the fall, we can have hundreds of queen bees that are subsequently hung. This represents a similar number of nests that can be made the following year," explains Julien Frizon, a beekeeper in Yutz.
"I've lost a lot of hives to Asian hornets. The peak nesting season is around September. The Asian hornet is now well established in the Thionville region. If we don't do anything, it will get worse and worse," says Bernard Baué, a beekeeper in Illange.
To preserve hives, traps are tools that can help capture them.
"I started installing selective traps in February as soon as the good weather arrived. Asian hornets are being caught every day . I have been affected by Asian hornets for three years," adds Julien Frizon.
Special doors can also be installed to reduce the height of entry into the hive. This prevents its entry. However, in these cases, the Asian hornet exerts pressure on the hives, to the point where the bees no longer want to leave. The consequences for honey production and hive development are considerable. It harms the biodiversity of the ecosystem by slowing the pollination of trees and plants by bees and pollinating insects.
"The Asian hornet can no longer enter the hives but stays outside and attacks the bees in flight. The bees do not go out to collect pollen. Without food, the queen does not lay eggs or the bees are born with deficiencies. The colonies die of exhaustion since the queen does not have the resources to develop the hive. We can say that this species is only arriving in Moselle. In other regions, it is already apocalyptic with 50 hornets in a hive; we are not at that stage yet. The future of French beekeeping could be threatened by Asian hornets," he explains.
"There needs to be awareness at the departmental level to help beekeepers and the ecological chain limit its spread by destroying nests in a timely manner. It is on the list of predators for beekeepers," adds Bernard Baué.
The first trace of the Asian hornet in France dates back to 2004 in Lot-et-Garonne. These yellow legs are one of the first signs that allow it to be distinguished from its European counterpart.
What interventions are available for Asian hornet nests?
Asian hornet nests are generally located in the treetops. Firefighters intervene if an Asian hornet nest is discovered on public roads. There is no charge for the intervention in public areas. However, it is the responsibility of the individual if the nest is located on private land. The cost can be a barrier to getting rid of it if a person refuses to pay for the work. This paid option is explained by the desire to avoid unfair competition with specialized companies. But during this time, a nest can grow in size and continue its spread. The Asian hornet is no more dangerous to humans than the European hornet. If a nest is discovered, it is especially recommended not to try to get rid of it alone and to call on the fire department or nest destruction professionals if the goal is to eliminate it.
AL
Le Républicain Lorrain
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