Key points to remember
- The Asian hornet adapts to many nesting sites
- Secondary nests are often high up and difficult to see
- Their architecture is robust and scalable.
- Early detection facilitates effective and safe intervention
Knowing how to identify Asian hornet nests
The Asian hornet demonstrates a remarkable ability to adapt in its choice of nesting sites. It primarily seeks quiet locations, sheltered from the elements and offering a degree of seclusion. Two types of nests can be distinguished:
- the primary nest, built in the spring
- the secondary nest, much larger, occupied in summer and autumn.
The main nesting sites
In the trees
Tsaag Valren , CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Trees are the most common nesting site for secondary nests of Asian hornets.
- The nests are often located several meters high, sometimes more than 15 or 20 meters.
- They are located at the tips of branches or in the foliage, making them difficult to detect.
- The dense foliage effectively conceals the nests during the summer.
The nests often become visible in the fall, when the leaves fall.
Hedges and vegetated areas
Thick hedges, thickets, brambles and poorly maintained areas can also accommodate nests, especially when the height and density of vegetation offer good protection.
- These nests are generally lower than those located in trees
- They present an increased risk to humans because they are at passage height
Buildings and dwellings
Marie-Lan Taÿ Pamart , CC BY 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
The Asian hornet readily establishes itself in the immediate vicinity of inhabited areas. Nests can be found in:
- attics and lofts
- garages and garden sheds
- under the eaves
- in hollow walls or unused chimneys
These locations are particularly prized for primary nests, as they offer warmth, stability, and protection.
Barns and farm buildings
Barns, agricultural sheds and rarely used buildings are ideal sites for Asian hornets.
- The ceiling height allows for the development of large nests.
- Minimal human disturbance promotes the colony's long-term establishment.
Architecture and structure of an Asian hornet nest
The Asian hornet's nest is a complex structure, built from chewed wood fibers mixed with saliva, giving it a cardboard-like appearance.
A construction in successive layers
- The nest is composed of several overlapping concentric layers.
- These layers provide good thermal insulation and protection against the elements.
MOSSOT , CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
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Nest size and development
- A primary nest typically measures 10 to 15 cm in diameter.
- A secondary nest can reach 80 cm to 1 meter in height
- Its weight can exceed several kilos by the end of the season
Internal organization
Inside the nest:
- Several cell trays are used for raising larvae.
- Each cell contains an egg, then a larva and a pupa.
- A mature colony can contain several thousand cells.
The entrance to the nest is located on the side, which makes it possible to distinguish the nest of the Asian hornet from that of the European hornet.
Our solutions for the selective trapping of the Asian hornet
Hornet EcoTrap selective traps allow you to capture founding queens before they establish a new colony in early spring.
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