Relatively spared until now, Haute-Loire is experiencing an upsurge in the number of Asian hornet nests. The entire department is affected and beekeepers say they are worried about this exotic and invasive insect.
Observed for the first time in 2011 in several municipalities in Ardèche, the Asian hornet has since gained ground and is now present in all departments of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. There were 7 nests in 2011. Since 2020, the number has exploded with 2,000 nests, then nearly 8,000 in 2023. A threat to public health and biodiversity, the Asian hornet is a formidable enemy for bees.
Fairly discreet for humans, except when it feels threatened (it can then be very aggressive), the Asian hornet targets bee colonies. It captures bees to feed its own nest, and takes a stationary position above the hives. This causes intense stress for the bees.
He discovers a nest… 10 meters from his house
In 2023, the reporting platform indicated 90 nests. This figure was exceeded this year. Nests are often discovered in the fall, when the leaves of the trees fall. This is how Pierre, a native of Yssingelais, discovered it. “I wondered what this big balloon was. It was 10 meters from the house, 5 meters high in a plum tree. We didn't suspect anything.” A professional came to neutralize this nest which contained 500 animals with a diameter of 70 cm. 3 nests were reported in Yssingeaux. Beaux is particularly affected with 5 nests in the town. Same in Retournac with 4 nests on the banks of the Loire. “The Asian hornet appreciates waterways and wood which it transforms into paper pulp,” confirms Michel Clément, head of the Bee Health Defense Group (GDSA) of Haute-Loire.
90% natural mortality
Romain Perre, professional in Craponne-sur-Arzon, confirms the resurgence. “This is 30% of our activity in 2024. Hornets can be located very high in a tree, but also in a hedge, among brambles. The hornet fears vibrations, so it can be very aggressive. Hornets like to settle near hives. A nest accommodates around 2000 individuals throughout the year, including around 500 founders. natural mortality.”
Concerns for 2025
Beekeepers say they are worried about the invasion of this hornet. “We need collective awareness, the immediate destruction of each nest is necessary. The hives are attacked and this impacts the activity of the bees and the production of honey,” summarizes Charles Boyre, a beekeeper in Beauzac who involved a company specialized Saturday. “We've had hornets for three years. This year, it was very pressing. What will it be like in 2025?”
Hornets in Haute-Loire since 2016
The first hornets were reported in 2016 in the Allier valley. “Protections exist such as muzzles, a mesh box, or electric harps, but all this has a cost,” indicates Michel Clément, of the GDSA Haute-Loire.
How much does destruction cost?
And the intervention of professionals has a very variable cost. It costs between €100 and €250 to destroy a nest. And it’s up to the landowner to foot the bill.
The situation in Haute-Loire: https://www.frelonsasiatiques.fr/iceadmin/cartographie/list
