Thermal goggles used in Manche

Thermal goggles are being used in the Manche department to detect Asian hornet nests earlier, according to the Manche branch of the Normandy Regional Federation for the Fight Against Harmful Organisms (Fredon). This technology helps identify nests that are hidden by vegetation, especially those located high in trees.

Nest destruction numbers decline

For the first nine months of 2026, approximately 3,154 nests were destroyed, compared to 9,247 nests in 2022, which was the highest number in eight years in the Manche. Most of these nests were destroyed through a departmental program supported by the Departmental Council and signed by communes or intercommunalities.

Stings and seasonal trends

At this stage, 154 people have been stung in the department. March and April were intense months, but a slowdown was observed since the first heatwaves in May, according to Antoine Métayer, head of the exotic invasive species and health-related species pole at Fredon.

Regional differences in nest distribution

The entire department is not equally affected by the Asian hornet. 41% of the nests are recorded in the Cotentin, while the two neighboring intercommunalities, Baie du Cotentin and Côte ouest centre Manche, are the least affected. Some communes in northern Cotentin have 22% more nests than in 2025 at the same time.

Impact on beekeepers and detection methods

Asian hornets cause damage to beekeepers, as they devour bees to feed on them, and their attacks cause stress in bees that no longer come out. Thermal goggles allow the detection of some nests hidden by vegetation, especially in height in trees. These goggles are made available to local authorities to detect nests early, according to a technician.

Prioritizing high-risk areas

Areas with major or recurring damage are prioritized, as well as sensitive sites at risk to public health and safety: parks, green spaces, biodiversity refuges, places frequented by vulnerable people. Since 2025, the State has legislated to destroy the nests according to a precise specification sheet, with officially recognized traps that are the most selective and reduce the stress of bees through apiary protection tools.