Nearly 10,000 fewer reports of Asian hornets, effect of traps not yet demonstrated

This year, there have been nearly 10,000 fewer reports of Asian hornet nests in Flanders compared to last year, with 16,161 reports so far. Researchers attribute this decline to a cold snap in early May and an unfavorable summer for insects, which reduced the availability of prey for the hornets. The impact of traps set to capture Asian hornets is still unclear, as the INBO has not found evidence linking the decrease in reports to these traps. They are currently analyzing data from the past three years to determine any long-term trends in captured hornets. Results are expected next spring, which will inform future recommendations regarding trap deployment.