The Asian hornet is declining in the municipality of Vinhais, as announced today by the municipality, which this year removed only 10 nests of this invasive species due to the 550 traps that captured 6,000 queens.
“The information we have from beekeepers is that this work has been fruitful; in other words, fewer nests have appeared,” said the mayor, Luís Fernandes.
In light of the damage this invasive species is causing to the beekeeping sector, the municipality of Vinhais, in the Bragança district, installed and distributed another 250 traps this year, compared with the previous year, bringing the total to 550.
According to the council, capturing the queens during spring is considered “the most effective measure for controlling this invasive species, as it prevents the formation of thousands of new nests throughout the year.”
Last year, by this time, 130 nests had already been destroyed, surpassing 340 by December. This year, due to the traps, only 10 nests have been destroyed so far.
The Asian hornet builds its nests in the crowns of trees, on utility poles, and also in shrubs, and feeds on insects, notably bees.
Beekeeping is an activity that is growing in the municipality of Vinhais, according to the mayor, justifying the investment made.
“More and more people are taking up beekeeping, especially younger people, who already use this activity as another source of economic support, and others have already dedicated themselves exclusively. (…) It is important that the municipality continue to support and sustain this work that has been carried out,” stressed Luís Fernandes.
