Science & Tech · Science & Environment · 19 hrs ago
Three Asian hornet nests found in Dornbirn
Beekeepers found three nests of invasive Asian hornets in Dornbirn, in the Austrian state of Vorarlberg, after searching for three weeks.
One nest was found in each of the city districts of Wallenmahd, Kehlegg and Grundegg.
Specialists are to remove the nests to limit the spread, with pest controllers expected at two of them first.
Asian hornets have also been confirmed in Dafins, but the search for nests there has not yet succeeded.
The species threatens local honeybee colonies, which can make up as much as 80 percent of its food.
Large summer nests can hold 1,500 to 2,000 hornets and release up to 150 to 200 young queens, making early discovery important.
People should report sightings to inatura with a photo and leave nest removal to trained professionals, because hornets may attack in numbers when they feel their nest is threatened.
The beekeepers’ association found three Asian hornet nests in Dornbirn after a three-week search.
One nest was found in each of the districts of Wallenmahd, Kehlegg and Grundegg.
The nests are to be removed by pest-control specialists to limit the invasive species’ spread.
The search for nests continues in Dafins, where Asian hornets have also been confirmed.
The species poses a threat to local honeybee colonies, which can make up to 80 percent of its diet.
- Who
- The beekeepers’ association found the nests. Pest-control specialists are to remove them.
- What
- Three nests of the invasive Asian hornet were found.
- When
- The discovery was reported on 28 October 2026, after a three-week search.
- Where
- Wallenmahd, Kehlegg and Grundegg, in Dornbirn, Austria.
- Why
- The nests are to be removed to prevent the invasive species from spreading further.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The Asian hornet was first recorded in Vorarlberg, with two small primary nests found in Lustenau.
Hornet sightings were reported in Dornbirn.
The beekeepers’ association found one nest each in Wallenmahd, Kehlegg and Grundegg.
Pest-control specialists were scheduled to deal with two of the nests.
- Nests found
- 3
- Dornbirn districts
- Wallenmahd, Kehlegg and Grundegg
- Search duration
- 3 weeks
- Hornets per secondary nest
- 1,500 to 2,000
- Honeybees in diet
- Up to 80 percent
3 sources
What people are saying
Then we can intervene relatively early.