Introduction: why are beekeepers worried about the Asian hornet in Brussels?

The Asian hornet in Brussels today represents a major threat to urban beekeeping. Its growing presence is weakening hives, reducing the number of foraging bees and directly impacting local honey production.
In Brussels, where beehives make a major contribution to biodiversity, this threat is taken very seriously, notably by Bees Apiregularly called upon in the media to explain the urgency of the situation.

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An invasive predator: what is the Asian hornet?

The Asian hornet(Vespa velutina) is an extremely agile invasive species, highly efficient at capturing honeybees. Since its accidental introduction into Europe, it has spread throughout Belgium and is now firmly established in Brussels.

Features :

• direct predation on bees: it waits at the entrance to the hives to capture the foragers;
• construction of secondary nests, often high up, which are very difficult to locate;
• great adaptability to the urban environment.

More official info:
🔗 https://environnement.brussels
🔗 https://www.bruxelles.be/frelons-asiatiques

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Bees Api alert: an interview broadcast on Brussels television

Bees Api Bxl was recently invited on Bruzz to explain live the dangers of the Asian hornet and its impact on Brussels beehives.

🎥 S ee the interview on Instagram:
🔗 https://www.instagram.com/reel/DMcRtLaskvw/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

In this talk, the beekeeper explains in particular:

• how hornets surround hives,
• why bees dare to go out less,
• and how this reduces honey production and weakens colonies before winter.

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The impact of the Asian hornet in Brussels on beekeepers

1. Massive and continuous predation

The Asian hornet in Brussels is often seen hovering in front of hives. Each hornet can capture up to 50 bees a day, leading to rapid colony collapse.

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2. Exhausted, less productive hives

Bees Api reported in the media on the particularly difficult winter suffered by Brussels' apiaries.

📰 DH article - Bees Api interviewed:
🔗 https://www.dhnet.be/regions/bruxelles/2025/07/22/on-peut-encore-agir-mais-il-faut-sen-occuper-maintenant-pres-dune-ruche-sur-deux-decimee-cet-hiver-a-bruxelles-EJAUWFJT6VDOTIPSQM4AL3CPVA/

This article reveals that :

• Nearly one in two beehives has been decimated in some neighborhoods,
• beekeepers are calling for an urgent, coordinated action plan,
• predation was "stronger than ever" according to the beekeepers interviewed

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3. An alarming decline in local honey

Fewer bees → less foraging → less honey.
Brussels beekeepers have noted:

• a drop in harvests,
• colonies too weak to produce,
• the need to abandon certain crops to save the hive.

Some Brussels hives are so weakened that beekeepers sometimes have to give up harvesting to preserve the colony. This makes local Brussels honey even more precious and limited.

🥄 If you want to support local beekeeping, now's the perfect time to discover (or rediscover) Bees Api honey. Stocks are often limited, so take advantage while they last!

Our store ->

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Why is the Asian hornet growing so fast in Brussels?

The Asian hornet finds an ideal environment in Brussels:

• many urban hives → lots of food,
• parks and gardens → nesting areas,
• mild climate → easier survival for founding queens,
• tall buildings and trees → nests difficult to spot.

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How to combat the Asian hornet in Brussels?

1. Selective trapping in spring

Essential between March and May to capture queens.

2. Muzzles and entrance gates

To protect hives without blocking bees.

3. Constant monitoring of apiaries

Brussels beekeepers have to check daily for hornets.

4. Mandatory reporting of nests

In the event of a suspected nest, contact the regional services:
🔗 https://environnement.brussels

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Conclusion: act now to protect urban beekeeping

The Asian hornet in Brussels is a real danger that threatens the balance of urban beekeeping. Bees play a vital role in our environment, and their protection requires constant vigilance.

Thanks to committed beekeepers like Bees Apithe media relaying the alert, and the mobilization of citizens, it is still possible to take action to limit the damage and preserve our hives.