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Focusing on the goal at hand

Asian hornet Vespa velutina has been discovered in Essen, specifically at the Wiebe plant located in Essen South, more precisely in the area without the playground, as one was seen there yesterday.

Focus on the goal at hand
Focus on the goal at hand

Focusing on the goal at hand

In a concerning development, the Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) has been spotted in Essen, Germany. This invasive species, known for its threat to honeybees, has been spreading throughout the state of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW).

Asian hornet nests are notoriously difficult to spot due to their elevated locations, often built more than 10 meters high in deciduous trees, where the dense foliage makes them hard to see. These nests can house up to 2000 individuals and grow up to 1 meter in height with a diameter of up to 80 centimeters.

The Lower Nature Conservation Authority in NRW is asking for the public's help in reporting Asian hornet nests, as they no longer have the capacity to search for them. One effective method for reporting sightings is through the centralised platform [www.velutina.de]. This website provides the responsible authorities with a real chance to act promptly.

In the bottle trap method, a plastic bottle, decapitated, has its head inserted back into the bottle piece. Inside the trap, there is a mixture of dark beer, white wine, and blackcurrant syrup. This concoction has an irresistible attraction for the Asian hornet, but the white wine component keeps honeybees from entering the trap.

It's important to note that the Asian hornet poses a significant threat to honeybees, as it can wipe out an entire hive if a nest is discovered. In Germany, current information about the Asian hornet can be found on [www.velutina.de], and sightings and reports can be submitted online via this platform.

In southern France, beekeepers have been using bottle traps for the Asian hornet with success. By working together, we can help protect our valuable honeybee populations and keep the Asian hornet at bay. So, if you spot an Asian hornet nest, please report it to the Lower Nature Conservation Authority via [www.velutina.de].

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