Mainland experts to help find Asian hornet nests

Specialists from the mainland are set to assist in the Porto-Vecchio area this week in an effort to locate and destroy nests of the invasive Asian hornet. Local beekeepers and the Corsican Environmental Office have been working for over a month to find these nests but have had no success so far. The mainland experts will bring more advanced detection equipment to aid the search.

Asian hornets may reappear in spring

According to Matteu Tristani, a beekeeper from Petroso and president of the AOP Mele di Corsica, the current hornet colonies will likely die off with the arrival of winter. However, the future queen hornets will have left their nests to find safe places to hibernate. These queens could return in the spring to start new colonies, potentially spreading to the eastern plain of Corsica.

Corsican beekeepers worry about future infestation

The possibility of new hornet colonies in the spring is a major concern for Corsican beekeepers. Matteu Tristani believes it is very likely that more nests will appear next year. To prevent this, the priority is to locate and destroy existing nests. If they fail, all discovered nests will need to be systematically destroyed to prevent the Asian hornet from gaining an advantage over native species.

Containment is crucial for beekeeping industry

The challenge is not only finding the nests but also containing the spread of the Asian hornet. Matteu Tristani fears that if the species becomes established on the island, it could severely impact the local beekeeping industry. Unlike on the mainland, where beekeepers can move hives to safer areas, Corsican beekeepers have limited options for relocation.

Weather and climate complicate preparations

Beekeepers are also struggling with the effects of prolonged heat and a lack of rain, which have made the current season difficult. This could jeopardize the collection of chestnut honey, a vital resource for building bees’ winter reserves. Before winter, beekeepers must ensure that their colonies have enough food to survive the cold months and restart in the spring.

Residents urged to help identify Asian hornets

To help monitor the situation, Matteu Tristani is asking residents to learn how to identify the Asian hornet. It is darker than the European hornet, with yellow leg ends and a black abdomen featuring a wide orange band. Recognizing the hornet is important not only for protecting bees but also for public safety, as people working outdoors could accidentally disturb a nest and be seriously stung.

Other news from Corsica

The France Minivert motocross championship was held in Porto-Vecchio, with two Corsican duos qualifying for the 2027 World Championships. At the Bonifacio hospital, new rehabilitation methods are being introduced. In football, the National 2 team in Corte may have regrets after a match. Meanwhile, the High Corsica region was placed on orange alert due to heavy rain and strong winds, with gusts expected to reach 100 km/h.