Flying insect · Vespa crabro / Vespa velutina · Last updated 14 August 2026
Hornets
The European hornet (Vespa crabro) and the Asian hornet (Vespa velutina), now established in Belgium, build nests that can shelter several thousand individuals. Larger and more imposing than wasps, they defend their nest aggressively.
On site within 24h
Hornets nest high up — roof frames, chimneys, trees, cavities — and become dangerous as soon as the nest is approached. Their repeated, painful stings can cause severe reactions, especially in allergic people. The Asian hornet, an invasive alien species, also threatens bee colonies. Destroying a nest requires full protective equipment and a telescopic lance — never attempt it alone. Antinox neutralises the nest then removes it depending on its location.
Identify
Signs of infestation
- A loud, heavy flight, noticeably louder than a wasp: sound alone often tells them apart at a distance
- A large greyish paper nest, 30 to 50 cm in diameter (European hornet), or a smaller spherical one high in trees (Asian hornet)
- European hornet: yellow and brown abdomen, orange-red head, 40 mm wingspan
- Asian hornet: body entirely dark brown-black, only the abdominal band is orange, legs yellow at the tip. Not to be confused with the European hornet
Where it's found
European hornet (Vespa crabro): tree hollows, attics, inside roofs. Invasive Asian hornet (Vespa velutina): nests high in trees (6 to 20 m), sometimes under eaves. The Asian hornet has been established in Belgium since the first nest was found in 2016 (Hainaut) and has covered every province since 2023. Sightings are encouraged on Vespa-Watch.be.
Impact
Associated risks
Stronger venom
A hornet sting is more painful and injects a larger venom dose than a wasp's. Anaphylactic shock remains the main risk. Never approach a nest without full protective equipment.
Asian hornet (invasive species)
Vespa velutina is an effective predator of honeybees and wild bees, threatening pollination. Classified as an invasive species in Belgium. Reporting nests on Vespa-Watch.be is strongly encouraged.
Good practice
Prevention
- 01Inspect trees and eaves in May-June: a tennis-ball-sized new nest poses little real danger, a September one does not
- 02Report Asian hornet nests on Vespa-Watch.be: the authorities coordinate intervention and removal
- 03Never attempt to destroy a hornet nest alone: the colony holds 200 to 700 individuals and becomes extremely aggressive if disturbed
Frequently asked questions
What you're asking
How do I tell the Asian hornet from the European hornet?
The Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) is darker: black thorax, brown-black abdomen with a single broad orange band, and yellow leg tips. The European hornet (Vespa crabro) is larger, russet-brown and yellow, like an oversized wasp. The Asian nest is often spherical and perched very high in trees.
What do I do if I find an Asian hornet in Belgium?
The Asian hornet is an invasive alien species. It's recommended to report any individual or nest via the regional reporting platform, without attempting to destroy the nest yourself. Antinox intervenes with the right equipment to neutralise the nest safely.
Can I destroy a hornet nest myself?
No. Approaching a hornet nest without protection exposes you to multiple, potentially dangerous stings. Consumer insecticides are ineffective on a large nest and trigger a colony attack. Destruction must be carried out by an equipped technician (full suit, lance), preferably at the end of the day when the colony is inside.
Insect Control
Related pests
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