Asian hornet: identification and reporting · 2026 guide

The Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) has, within a few years, become a recognisable sight in Dutch gardens, parks and verges. Since the first find in Dronten in 2017, the species has spread rapidly. By 2025 sightings have been reported in every Dutch province and in nearly every Belgian province. For 2026, experts again expect a strong increase.

This article helps you recognise the Asian hornet, distinguish it from native insects and report sightings correctly. For beekeepers there is an extra section about protecting your colonies.

What does the Asian hornet look like?

A worker of the Asian hornet is 2.5 to 3 cm long, comparable to a large wasp but recognisable by these features:

• A nearly black thorax without yellow patterns
• A dark (brown to black) abdomen with a single orange-yellow band at the end of the fourth segment
• Yellow leg tips, the so-called 'yellow socks' · the most important identification mark at a distance
• An orange-yellow face seen from the front
• A flight that is calmer and more deliberate than that of wasps · they often hang still briefly before striking at prey

The queen is larger, up to 3.5 cm, and is visible in early spring.

Difference from the European hornet

The most confusing similar species is the native European hornet (Vespa crabro). This one is protected and may not be controlled. Differences to know:

• European hornet: reddish-brown head and thorax, yellow abdomen with black bands, no yellow leg tips
• Asian hornet: nearly black thorax, dark abdomen with one yellow band, distinctive yellow leg tips
• The European is slightly larger (up to 3.5 cm in workers)
• The European is calm and only active at night near light · the Asian hunts during the day

Confusion with a common wasp is rare · those are much smaller (1.5 cm) with a clearly yellow-black striped abdomen.

A bumblebee is much rounder, plumper and hairy · not wasp-like in shape.

Where do you find them?

Asian hornets build two types of nests:

• Primary nest (April-June): small, often in a sheltered spot like a shed, garage or overhanging roof. Tennis-ball-sized at first.
• Secondary nest (July-November): large, often high in a tree (10-15 metres), spherical, and can grow up to 50 cm in diameter. Contains several thousand hornets by then.

The secondary nest often only becomes visible after leaf-fall in October and November · that is when most sightings are reported.

They forage at beehives, waste bins, fruit trees and flowers. A worker mainly eats meat for the larvae · other insects, often honey bees caught mid-flight.

What do you do if you see one?

Do not panic and do not try to control it yourself. An Asian hornet only stings in defence, but if you disturb a nest dozens can attack at once · they can sting multiple times.

What to do:

1.Keep distance · at least 5 metres from a nest

2.Take a photo if safe, of the hornet itself or the nest

3.Note the location as precisely as possible

4.Report the sighting with one of the agencies below

A nest may only be removed by a professional. Removal costs in the Netherlands range from 90 to 200 euros depending on location and height. In some municipalities the cost is covered by the municipality or province · always check first.

Where do you report a sighting?

For the Netherlands:

• Waarnemingen.nl · free reporting, no account required. The sighting goes automatically to the national database and the NVWA
• NVWA · for confirmed nests you can also report directly via nvwa.nl
• Some municipalities have their own reporting point for nest removal · check your municipal website

For Belgium:

• Vespawatch.be · the official Belgian reporting point

A good photo increases the chance of fast confirmation and treatment.

What do you do as a beekeeper?

For beekeepers the hornet is a serious problem. A few workers can weaken a colony by intercepting bees at the entrance. Under heavy pressure a colony can collapse.

Measures beekeepers take:

• Reduce entrance openings with a mouse guard or hornet guard (from 5.5 mm)
• Set traps with bait · protein-rich in spring, sugar water in late summer. Effectiveness is debated, targeted placement helps
• Observe at the entrance · note if there is targeted hunting and at what times
• Keep colonies strong · strong colonies withstand pressure better

Want to go deeper? Also read our other article about what every Dutch beekeeper should know about the Asian hornet.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Asian hornet dangerous to humans?

No more dangerous than a wasp or the European hornet. One sting is painful but rarely serious. However, dozens can attack at once if a nest is disturbed · always keep distance.

Can I remove a nest myself?

No. A disturbed nest can activate hundreds of hornets. Control must be done by a specialised company with proper protective gear and method (often a sedating powder).

What is the government doing about it?

The Asian hornet is on the European list of invasive alien species. The Netherlands and Belgium have an active control policy. Reports via Waarnemingen.nl and Vespawatch.be are followed up by the NVWA and Belgian authorities respectively.

Are Dutch bee populations dying out because of the Asian hornet?

In France, where the species has been present since 2004, local losses are significant but no total collapse. Strong colonies and beekeepers with good countermeasures survive. The effect on wild bees is harder to measure and more worrying.

When is the best time to spot a nest?

After leaf-fall in October and November the secondary nest becomes visible in trees. In spring (April-May) the primary nest is sometimes visible in sheltered spots, but much smaller.

Closing thoughts

The Asian hornet is here and is here to stay. An active, observant population is the difference between local control and unchecked spread. A photo and a report cost you five minutes and truly help.

Do you have questions, photos or your own experience with an Asian hornet? Share it on the forum under Bee Health & Diseases · other beekeepers and interested people are happy to help.