Asian hornet: recognising the species and its nest
Dark body, yellow legs, nest up high: watch from a distance, never touch.
Guide 07
Vespa velutina nigrithorax
Key points
The yellow-legged Asian hornet (Vespa velutina nigrithorax) arrived in France around 2004, in Lot-et-Garonne, and now occupies a large part of the country. Dark, with an orange band and yellow leg tips, it builds a small primary nest in spring, then a large nest in summer, often high in a tree. Stay more than 5 m from the nest and leave its destruction to a professional.
The National Museum of Natural History (MNHN) tracks its spread and collects sightings. An opportunistic predator, it catches bees, wasps and flies in particular; it is often seen hovering in front of beehives.
Its cycle lasts a year. In spring, a queen founds a primary nest the size of an orange under shelter (porch roof, shed, hedge). In summer the colony often moves to a higher secondary nest that can exceed 50 cm, then dies out at the start of winter. Only future queens overwinter; the empty nest is never reused.
Spotting signs of Asian hornets
- 1A ball- or pear-shaped nest, entered through a small hole on the side, often near the top of a tree.
- 2In spring, a small orange-sized nest under a porch roof or in a shed.
- 3Dark hornets hovering in front of hives or flowers.
- 4Yellow-tipped legs, unlike the European hornet, which is redder with brown legs.
Nuisance level
An indicative guide from our technicians, from 1 (moderate) to 5 (high).
- Health
- 4/5
- Damage
- 2/5
- Breeding
- 3/5
Why act
- Multiple stings if the nest is disturbed: the colony defends it as a group.
- Severe allergic reaction possible, even after a single sting.
- Predation on bees and pressure on apiaries.
- Nests discovered by surprise while trimming a hedge or pruning a tree.
Our treatment, in four stages
- 01
Locate
Locate: nest found and identified, height and access assessed, safety perimeter set.
- 02
Treat
Treat: approved insecticide injected into the heart of the nest, with a telescopic pole if needed, ideally once the workers are back inside.
- 03
Check
Check: confirmation that activity has stopped, nest removed where accessible.
- 04
Prevent
Prevent: photo report and advice on spotting primary nests next spring, as part of active vigilance.
Good everyday habits
What you can do to lower the risk of a new infestation.
- Check hedges, porch roofs and sheds in April–May, when primary nests appear.
- Look inside a bush before trimming it.
- Stay more than 5 m from a nest; don't hit it or spray water at it.
- Avoid non-selective syrup traps, which mostly catch other insects.
Your questions
Is its sting worse than the European hornet's?
A single sting is no more toxic. What makes them dangerous is the nest: if it is approached or disturbed, the colony attacks in large numbers. An allergic reaction is possible from the very first sting.
Can I deal with the nest without a professional?
It is not advisable. ANSES recommends keeping 5 m away and not trying to destroy it yourself. A professional has the protective gear, poles and approved products.
Can the local council help?
Some municipalities or départements cover part of the cost. Ask at your town hall; you can also report the nest on the MNHN website dedicated to the Asian hornet.
Asian hornets in your home or your business?
Flat, house, restaurant, shop or office: price including VAT shown before you book, 2-hour window, same-day photo report and advice to lower the risk of a return.