Asian hornet
Profile
The Asian hornet, Vespa velutina (nigrithorax subspecies), was introduced to France from South-East Asia in 2004. Since then, it has been spreading unstoppably across Europe. On 9 April 2024, it was sighted for the first time in Austria (in the city of Salzburg). In 2026, the Asian hornet was found in both Vorarlberg and Tyrol.
Occurrence
Since it was first recorded in France in 2004, the Asian hornet has spread to many European countries. It has now also become widespread in Austria’s western neighbouring countries (Italy, Switzerland, Germany) and has been sighted in the Lake Constance region near the Austrian border since 2023. Also in 2023, a nest of the Asian hornet was observed near the Austrian border in Hungary and successfully destroyed. In recent years, further isolated nest sightings have been reported in Austria’s neighbouring countries (Czech Republic: 2023, 2024; Slovenia: 2024). It is considered possible that the species could spread throughout Europe as far as southern Scandinavia.
Situation in Austria
On 9 April 2024, a specimen was sighted and captured for the first time in Austria, in the city of Salzburg. This was an isolated finding, presumably a queen without an established nest. Extensive surveys revealed no further sightings in the vicinity of the discovery site. In 2026, the Asian hornet was found in both Vorarlberg and Tyrol. In Vorarlberg, several primary nests were discovered and removed at two locations in Lustenau in early summer 2026. This marks the first discovery of a nest in Austria. In Tyrol, several specimens were discovered in the municipality of Kössen in August 2026; experts are currently searching for the nest associated with them.
We ask beekeepers in Vorarlberg and Tyrol to be particularly vigilant. Beekeepers in the Pinzgau region of Salzburg, with apiaries bordering Tyrol, should also be on the alert. Reports of suspected sightings are being accepted via the Austria-wide platform. For Vorarlberg and Tyrol, reports can also be submitted by email (Vorarlberg: velutina@viv.at; Tyrol: umweltschutz@tirol.gv.at). Please ensure you include a clear photograph (with distinguishable colours) with your email, and state the location of the sighting as well as a contact number.
Central Velutina reporting portal (Biene Österreich, Chambers of Agriculture)
In the other federal states, too, we ask beekeepers to be particularly vigilant in the vicinity of their bee colonies during the summer and autumn months. Based on experience in other countries, we recommend the following procedure: during your regular apiary visits throughout the season, observe the bee flight activity in front of the colonies for around 20 minutes – this should be sufficient to detect any presence of the Asian hornet. If you suspect a sighting, please document the situation (photo, video) and report your suspicion to the relevant authorities. The Federal Office for Food Safety (Import Control) and the nine provincial governments are responsible for invasive species (see the list of Austrian reporting centres in the downloads section).
Please do not catch or kill any animals, as they may be mistaken for native species and there is a risk of injury from stings.
You will find information to help with identification in the downloads section.
Technical information
Vespa velutina is of particular interest to beekeepers, as it primarily hunts social hymenopterans (bees, wasps) to feed its brood. However, it also hunts other insects such as hoverflies, grasshoppers, beetles and butterflies. Opinions differ as to the extent of the damage it can cause to bee colonies. Vespa velutina is diurnal and hunts its prey whilst in flight. It lies in wait outside beehives, ambushing returning bees as they hover. Where Asian hornet populations are dense, this can lead to the weakening of colonies and even to the loss of entire colonies. One report states that in late autumn, when the numbers of other insect populations are declining, approximately 75 bees are preyed upon each day.
A characteristic feature is the pear-shaped nests, which are built in tall trees. In late summer, these have a diameter of around 40 to 60 cm with a side entrance. The hornet colony produces an average of 6,000 individuals per year, although only the young queens overwinter.
The Asian hornet is just as harmless to healthy people as the native hornet, Vespa cabro (although allergic reactions are possible). Both species are peaceful and normally only attack humans when threatened. Their noisy flight is particularly unsettling.
Last updated: 26.08.2026
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