Asian hornets: how to stay calm in the garden

The shock may run deep, but panicking is the worst possible response now.

Asian hornets are spreading through parts of Germany too, regularly making people nervous at garden tables. Many people swat at them or leap up abruptly. Yet this is precisely the sort of behaviour that can make matters worse. A French insect researcher explains how people should actually act around these insects – and why the real danger is often not a lone visitor at the table, but something else entirely.

Why Asian hornets seem so threatening

Like bees and wasps, the Asian hornet is a hymenopteran insect. It is slightly larger than the German wasp, has dark colouring and distinctive orange markings. Its deep buzz and direct flight path around sweet foods or meat can quickly trigger frantic reactions.

The insects are especially common around laid tables in spring and summer. They are primarily attracted to:

• grilled meat and sausages
• open fizzy drinks, fruit juices and beer
• cakes, ice cream and other sweet foods
• ripe fruit lying in the garden or hanging from trees

Many people believe its sting is far more dangerous than that of a wasp or honeybee. Experts, however, strongly temper that fear. Although the sting itself is painful, the venom has little difference in effect from that of other stinging hymenopterans.

“The greater danger does not come from a single insect at the table, but from a nest hanging too close to people.”

How dangerous Asian hornet venom really is

Researchers stress that the Asian hornet’s venom cocktail has effects comparable with bee and wasp venom. A sting hurts, the affected area swells and it may burn. It becomes problematic in two circumstances:

• for people with an insect-venom allergy
• when someone receives numerous stings at once, such as near a nest

The hornet can sting repeatedly because, unlike a honeybee’s, its sting does not remain lodged in the skin. Anyone with an allergy may develop serious symptoms after just one sting. For healthy people, it generally causes a local reaction – unpleasant, but manageable.

The crucial safety distance from an Asian hornet nest

The true risk starts close to a nest. Guard hornets patrol there and protect their colony. According to the insect expert, people should stay at least 10 metres away from a nest, preferably farther, and avoid sudden movements within its flight path.

A nest may contain a few dozen insects in spring, but by high summer it can house up to around 2,000 individuals. If a person gets too close or shakes branches or roof areas where the nest is located, many hornets may attack at the same time. This can result in numerous stings within a short period.

“Anyone who finds a nest in the garden or on the outside of their house should not deal with it themselves, but call in professionals.”

Asian hornets at the garden table: how to react properly

A single hornet at the table is primarily searching for food, not looking to attack. Experts’ most important advice is simple: stay calm. Even if the urge to swat the insect or hit it with a napkin is strong, that approach does not help.

Mistakes best avoided

• do not wave your arms about wildly
• do not swat at, trap or squash the insect
• do not aim sprays, deodorants or burning objects directly at it
• do not try to “blow it away” directly in front of your face

These actions can be what makes a hornet genuinely aggressive. It feels cornered, regards the person as a threat and may sting.

What helps instead

Those who remain calm give themselves the best chance. Useful strategies include:

• temporarily taking sugary foods or meat indoors to the house or kitchen
• covering drinks, particularly children’s glasses
• calmly stepping back from the table if the insect comes very close
• moving indoors for a few minutes until the hornet has flown on

Many hornets move on after a short time if they cannot find a rewarding food source or notice that nobody is swatting at them.

“The safest response at the table: stay calm, move away, put food aside briefly – and make the hornet lose interest in visiting.”

Why killing an Asian hornet can worsen the situation

As contradictory as it may seem at first, deliberately killing an Asian hornet can actually make the situation worse. When the insect is under acute stress, it releases specific scent chemicals. These pheromones alert nearby hornets that there is danger.

If this scent reaches the nest, further hornets may fly over to “support” the insect they believe is under attack. A solo visit can then rapidly turn into a group of hornets that feel threatened. That is certainly not something anyone wants during a family barbecue.

What to do if there is a nest in the garden

Anyone who spots a nest in a tree, hedge, on a shed or beneath the roof ridge should move away immediately. Keeping at least five metres away, and preferably 10 metres, is sensible guidance.

Important points include:

• block access for children and pets
• do not stand beneath the nest for extended periods
• do not saw off branches or hammer on the outside of the building
• do not use homemade “poison mixtures”

On private property, nests should only be removed or relocated by trained pest-control professionals. In public areas, the appropriate contact may be the local authority, public-order office or fire service, depending on the region.

What to do after an Asian hornet sting

Anyone who has been stung should first leave the area, especially if a nest could be nearby. The following steps can then help:

• inspect the sting site and remain calm
• remove jewellery such as rings or tight bracelets if swelling is likely
• clean the area with water to reduce germs
• cool it, for example using a damp cloth or cold pack
• optionally use a heat pen or suction device for insect venom
• if itching is severe, apply a suitable anti-inflammatory cream

Anyone known to have an allergic reaction should carry their emergency kit and call the emergency services immediately at the first sign of breathlessness, dizziness or circulatory problems. Multiple stings to the face or upper body also require particular attention, even in people with no known allergy.

Why the Asian hornet is also a problem for bees

Beyond the risk to people, the species also matters environmentally. It is regarded as invasive and preferentially hunts honeybees. It can sometimes be seen effectively “standing guard” in front of hives and catching bees as they arrive. This can cause considerable losses for beekeepers.

However, the insects also eat other creatures, including flies and spiders. Experts therefore seek to manage them in a way that protects people without indiscriminately destroying every individual insect. Nests in isolated locations may even be left in place where they do not cause disruption.

Practical tips for reducing everyday encounters

Anyone wishing to eat more peacefully on the terrace or balcony in summer can reduce the likelihood of visits with a few simple measures:

• clear away food leftovers quickly and keep bins securely closed
• regularly collect fallen ripe fruit beneath trees
• serve drinks with lids or straws in closed cups
• try scent traps or particular strongly scented plants, such as tomato plants and certain herbs
• choose light, airy clothing rather than heavily perfumed products

There is no absolute guarantee of safety, but the fewer tempting food sources are left out in the open, the less appealing the garden becomes to these insects.

Anyone who knows the basic rules – keep away from nests, stay calm at the table and avoid frantic attempts to fend them off – generally has nothing to fear. This makes it possible to enjoy the summer garden largely without worry despite Asian hornets.