Number of Asian Hornet Nests in Brussels Increases Fivefold

Brussels is facing a significant surge in Asian hornet nests, with over 112 nests reported this year on the Waarnemingen.be platform—an almost fivefold increase compared to last year, according to experts in the field. Teams like Bye Bye Wesp and professional beekeepers confirm that the city is seeing an unprecedented rise in these invasive insects. Olivier Van Sintejan from Bye Bye Wesp stated, “We are dealing with a serious issue in Brussels,” noting that the numbers continue to climb as the hornets remain active until the season’s first frost.

The growing presence of the Asian hornet has been attracting media attention, especially after an incident last week when a man was hospitalized following an attack during a football match in Aalter. Numbers from Brussels Environment indicate that the problem is only expected to worsen throughout the rest of the season. Beekeeper Arthur Van Peene reported neutralizing 40 nests since April and highlighted that infestations have been multiplying steadily each year. In 2021, just 24 nests were found in Sint-Pieters-Woluwe, compared to 89 the following year and 222 in 2023, underscoring the trend.

Experts say the Asian hornet poses a major threat not just to biodiversity—since a single nest can consume up to 11-12 kilograms of insects per year, severely impacting pollinator populations—but also to public health and the local economy. The hornets tend to attack in groups if their nest is approached, at times resulting in severe or even fatal outcomes. The rise in numbers this summer is mainly attributed to a mild spring, which allowed most queens to survive the winter. Officials urge the public to report sightings to platforms like Waarnemingen.be or Renature.brussels and to avoid approaching nests, emphasizing early intervention as crucial since these hornets have no natural predators in Europe.