Locating, reporting, and destroying an Asian hornet nest

Key points to remember

• Nests are often located thanks to flight paths
• Early detection limits risks and costs
• All work must be carried out by a professional.

Visual and behavioral clues to observe

Repeated flight trajectories

One of the most reliable indicators is the observation of regular, straight flight paths. Asian hornets often follow precise air corridors between their nest and hunting grounds.

By carefully observing the direction of movement of the hornets, it is sometimes possible to gradually trace them back to the nesting area.

Unusual activity around a fixed point

A concentration of hornets around a tree, hedge, building or specific structure may indicate the presence of a nest nearby.

Frequent back-and-forth trips, especially in warm and calm weather, are often revealing.

The increased presence of hornets near beehives or water sources

Asian hornets are attracted to:

• beehives (bee predation)
• water points
• areas rich in insects

Intense and repeated activity in these areas may indicate a relatively nearby nest.

Detection methods used today

Human observation

The most common method remains the careful observation of flight behavior, ideally over several days, in order to confirm the presence of a nest.

Traps as a detection tool

Selective traps, when used judiciously, can help to:

• confirm the presence of Asian hornets in an area
• observe flight directions
• detect early activity in the spring

The traps do not allow for the precise location of a nest, but serve as an early warning signal.

Drone reconnaissance

Increasingly used by local authorities and professionals, drone surveying allows for:

• to inspect hard-to-reach areas
• to spot nests located at great heights
• to limit the risks for stakeholders

Report and have a hornet's nest destroyed

Do not intervene yourself

It is strongly advised against attempting to destroy a nest without the proper equipment and training. Asian hornets can become extremely aggressive when disturbed and will attack in groups.

Avoid approaching the nest and keep children and animals away.

What you absolutely must not do

• Do not attempt to burn or flood a nest
• Do not use over-the-counter insecticides
• Minimize vibration to avoid exciting the hornets.
• Do not hit or pierce the nest

These practices are dangerous and ineffective.

Report and call in a professional

Report to the mayor

To ensure official monitoring, you can report the presence of the nest to your town hall or the relevant services in your area. Some local authorities cover the cost or subsidize the destruction of Asian hornet nests. The procedures vary depending on the municipality and department, so it's important to check before taking any action.

Reporting via mobile applications or websites

In addition to reporting to the town hall, it is possible to use websites and mobile applications set up by individuals, beekeepers, or naturalist networks. These platforms allow users to report the presence of an Asian hornet nest, often with photos and a precise location (GPS position).

These tools facilitate data centralization, improve species monitoring across the territory, and sometimes enable faster contact with relevant services or local stakeholders. They provide a simple and effective way to participate in the collective fight against the Asian hornet.

The destruction of the nest

In most situations, it is recommended to call in a specialist company or a licensed pest control professional. These professionals have the protective equipment, appropriate tools, and experience necessary to intervene safely, especially when the nest is located high up or near dwellings.