Affected hosts
- Apis mellifera
Vespa orientalis
Oriental hornet
Predatory hornet that can attack bees and weak colonies, with higher relevance in regions where it is established.
Agent
Vespa orientalis
Notifiable in Portugal
No
Signs to watch for
Adult bees
- Hornets around hive entrances
- Predation of flying bees
Brood
- Bee predation
- Pressure on weak colonies
- Possible hive intrusion in stressed colonies
Colony
- Warm climates
- Established nearby populations
- Weak colonies
Confirmation and identification
Field observation and monitoring
- Reddish-brown body
- Yellow banding
- Robust hornet profile
- Observe predation at the entrance
- Record recurrence by season
- Compare activity with nearby apiaries when possible
Laboratory methods
- Confirm identity, especially in areas where several hornet species coexist.
Control and impact reduction
Good practices
- Record observations
- Apply safe physical exclusion where justified
Prevention
- Keep colonies strong
- Limit easy access to weak hives
- Avoid exposed attractants
- Unverified destruction of nests
- Use of poisons
Ongoing monitoring
Indicators
- Observations per hour
Recommended frequency
- Follow pressure more closely in warm months and in areas where the species is established.