A trial to find out the effectiveness of biocides against Vespa velutina

The Monitoring Committee for the Asian hornet, the Vespa velutina, in which the Government of the Basque Autonomous Community (region), the Charter Provincial Councils, the Beekeeping sector and Neiker-Tecnalia are working together, will be taking steps aimed at controlling the Vespa velutina populations and minimizing their impact. This type of hornet is an invasive species from France that preys on bees and devastates beehives.

The Vespa velutina Monitoring Committee, which has been fighting to control this pest in the Basque Autonomous Community, has agreed to develop, through Neiker-Tecnalia, a controlled trial to assess the potential effectiveness on this insect of biocides tested in Chile for the Véspula germánica. This process will be carried out through the placing and controlled monitoring of baits, thus seeking to minimize the effects on other insect populations, birds and vertebrates.

Another of the steps will make it possible to find out the effect the Asian hornet is having on the viability and production of beehives by analysing the location of the Vespa velutina nests and determining its expansion and advances.

The Basque Government has initially earmarked 45,000 euros to fund these steps and has proposed action protocols with each of the parties involved in order to achieve progress.

Provided by Elhuyar Fundazioa