What is the Asian hornet and how can it be identified?

The Asian hornet (Vespa velutina), also known as the Asian yellow-legged hornet, is an invasive hornet species that is increasingly spreading in Germany. It is particularly relevant because it hunts honey bees and other insects, which can affect beekeeping and native ecosystems. Anyone wishing to identify the Asian hornet should look for its predominantly dark body, an orange band on the abdomen and the conspicuous yellow leg ends. Compared with the European hornet, it is usually darker in colour and appears somewhat smaller overall.

Differences between the Asian hornet and the European hornet

The Asian hornet is often confused with the native European hornet, but it can be clearly distinguished by its characteristic features. The most important of these are body colour, leg colour, size and the pattern on the abdomen, as the following comparison shows.

Characteristic	Asian hornet	European hornet
Size	Workers approx. 2.5 cm Queens up to approx. 3 cm	Workers approx. 3 cm Queens up to approx. 3.5 cm
Body colour	dark to black-brown	reddish-brown-yellow
Legs	dark legs with yellow ends	reddish-brown legs
Abdomen	dark with an orange-yellow band	yellow-and-black patterned
Head	dark, yellow-orange face	reddish-brown-yellow
Thorax	black to dark brown	predominantly reddish-brown
Nest	small primary nests, followed later by secondary nests high in trees	Nests in tree cavities, nesting boxes, sheds or roof areas
Behaviour/activity	mainly active during the day	active day and night
Presence/status	invasive species, now established in Germany	native species and particularly protected in Germany

The nest of the Asian hornet

The Nest of the Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) changes significantly over the course of the year. In spring, the queen initially starts with a small founding or primary nest in a sheltered location. Such nests can develop, for example, under roof overhangs, in garden sheds, hedges or other protected areas.

Over the course of the summer, a large proportion of colonies establish a significantly larger secondary nest These nests are often suspended freely and high up in tree crowns and can reach a diameter of up to approximately one metre reach. A large Asian hornet nest can house several thousand individuals. The nests are often difficult to spot from the ground, especially when the trees are in leaf.

The location and size of a nest can vary considerably depending on its stage of development. Clear identification is therefore particularly important.

Asian hornet - what should they do?

Anyone who discovers a Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) or a possible nest is discovered, the first step should be remain calm and keep a sufficient distance. Nests should not be touched, shaken or removed independently, as the insects can defend their colony when disturbed. If an Asian hornet is suspected, it is advisable to photograph the insect or nest from a safe distance so that clear identification is possible.

Finds of the Asian hornet should still be reported to the responsible Lower Nature Conservation Authority or reported via the respective reporting platform of the federal state. In North Rhine-Westphalia, sightings can, for example, be reported via the Neobiota Portal NRW be documented with a photograph. Although there has been no statutory reporting obligation under Article 16 of the EU Regulation since March 2025, reporting remains an important part of managing this invasive species.

Species identification and any necessary measures should be left to qualified and appropriately trained personnel.

Is the Asian hornet dangerous to humans?

The Asian hornet is not naturally aggressive toward humans. Individual insects generally do not attack without cause. However, there is an increased risk in the immediate vicinity of a the nest of the Asian hornet, as the insects can actively defend their colony when disturbed. If they are harassed or the nest is shaken, multiple stings are also possible.

A a sting from an Asian hornet is painful and, similar to stings from native wasps or hornets, can cause swelling and other physical reactions. Particularly for people with an an insect venom allergy stings can pose a serious health risk.

It has also been observed that Asian hornets, when threatened, spray liquid toward the face. If it gets into the eyes, it can cause redness, pain and irritation may occur; in rare documented cases, more serious eye injuries have also occurred. In the event of contact, the eyes should be rinsed immediately and thoroughly with water or saline solution.

Particular caution is therefore required especially in the immediate vicinity of the nest.

Why is the Asian hornet dangerous to honey bees and other insects?

The Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) feeds, among other things, on honey bees and other insects and can therefore pose a particular threat to Honey bee colonies become a burden. Hornets often lie in wait outside beehives for returning or departing honey bees and catch them in flight.

After capturing its prey, the hornet dismembers it and processes in particular the protein-rich thorax. This is then transported to the nest, where it primarily serves to feed the larvae. Strong hunting pressure can cause honey bees reduce their flight activity and consequently bring less food back to the hive.

In addition to honey bees, there are also Wild bees, flies, wasps and other insect species is on the Asian hornet's menu. As a result, its spread could affect not only beekeeping but potentially also local insect communities and ecological relationships. Particularly in areas where many Asian hornets occur, the additional feeding pressure on native insect species can increase significantly.

Controlling Asian hornets: How can a nest be professionally removed?

A Nest of the Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) should not be removed or controlled independently. There is also a risk of confusing it with the native and specially protected European hornet (Vespa crabro). Reliable identification is therefore Species identification particularly important.

For professional Control of the Asian hornet Depending on the nest's location, size and stage of development, different methods may be considered. Qualified professionals first assess the situation on site and then decide which method the Hornet nest professionally removed can be carried out. Both mechanical methods and suitable approved procedures may be used. The use of non-specific hornet and wasp traps is not recommended.

Professional control by Kaeferling

Professional help with hornets: The Kaeferling Service supports the professional assessment of hornet nests. Kaeferling's IHK-certified pest controllers first identify the hornet species and then select the appropriate approach depending on the species and situation. Kaeferling offers professional treatment or, if professionally and legally required for species protection, relocation of hornets and serves private and commercial customers in Cologne, Hürth and the surrounding area in action.

Conclusion: Identifying the Asian hornet and taking the right action

The Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) can be recognized primarily by its dark body, orange-yellow markings on the abdomen and strikingly yellow-tipped legs. Its frequently high secondary nests in tree crowns and its hunting behavior toward honeybees and other insects are also characteristic.

Anyone who discovers an Asian hornet or a possible nest should document the find, inform the relevant authority and, if uncertain, have the species professionally identified. It is particularly important to distinguish it reliably from the native and protected European hornet. 

 

How do I distinguish the Asian hornet from the European hornet? 

The Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) is predominantly dark in color and has strikingly yellow-tipped legs. Its dark thorax and yellow-orange markings on the rear part of the abdomen are also characteristic. Overall, it is somewhat smaller and significantly darker than the native European hornet.

Is the Asian hornet dangerous to humans?

The Asian hornet is generally not naturally aggressive toward humans. However, near their nest, the insects may defend it and sting repeatedly. People with an insect venom allergy should take particular care, as should anyone who finds a nest.

What does an Asian hornet nest look like?

The Asian hornet nest changes significantly over the course of the year. In spring, small Primary nests in sheltered places. These are usually light gray to beige-brown colored and have a papery surface. Later, significantly larger Secondary nests, which usually hang high in tree canopies. They are generally gray to grayish brown and may appear slightly marbled or layered due to the wood fibers used.

Secondary nests can reach approximately one meter in size and can house several thousand hornets. It is typically round to oval in shape, with a papery, enclosed outer shell.

What should you do if you find an Asian hornet nest? 

Anyone who discovers a possible Asian hornet nest should keep a sufficient distance and not touch, shake, or treat the nest themselves. If possible, the discovery should be photographed from a safe distance and reported to the relevant authority. Definitive species identification and any further measures should be left to qualified professionals.

Do you have to report the Asian hornet?

Since March 2025, there has no longer been a general reporting obligation in Germany under Article 16 of the EU Regulation, as the Asian hornet is now considered an established invasive species. Nevertheless, sightings should continue to be reported to the relevant authorities. In North Rhine-Westphalia, sightings can be documented with a photo via the Neobiota Portal NRW .

When does the Asian hornet die?

Most Asian hornets die in late autumn, generally from November onward. Workers and drones die off, while the mated young queens seek a sheltered place to overwinter. The old nest is then abandoned and not reused the following year. In spring, the overwintering young queens awaken and establish new nests.