The invasive Asian hornet, known as the 'murder hornet', has been spotted in Denmark, raising concerns about its potential spread to Sweden. This species poses a threat to honeybees and could disrupt pollination and ecosystems. A recent incident in France saw honeybees, stressed by the hornets, attack humans, injuring 24 people.
Invasive 'Murder Hornet' Approaches Sweden After Being Spotted in Denmark
Invasive 'Murder Hornet' Approaches Sweden After Being Spotted in Denmark
The invasive Asian hornet, also known as the 'murder hornet', has been spotted in Denmark for the first time, reports DN.
"It won't be possible to keep it out of the UK, nor Sweden," biologist Didrik Vanhoenacker told the newspaper.
In the UK, intensive efforts have been made to eradicate the Asian hornet.
The invasive species has spread from Southeast Asia to France, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, and most recently Denmark.
If the hornet species spreads to Sweden, it could harm pollination and ecosystems in the country, according to Didrik Vanhoenacker, an on-call biologist at the Swedish Museum of Natural History.
Caused Bee Attack – Injured 24 People
Honeybees are primarily threatened by the presence of the Asian hornet. The bees become not only frightened and stressed by the hornets but can also become aggressive.
When the Asian hornets attacked a group of honeybees, the bees became so aggressive that they also attacked humans, according to The Guardian.
This occurred in the French city of Aurillac earlier in July, resulting in 24 injuries, three of which were serious enough to require hospitalization.
"The bees had their defense system triggered and then became aggressive towards anything perceived as a threat, including nearby humans," Didrik Vanhoenacker told DN.
According to the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, the Asian hornet is very difficult to eradicate.