Where Asian hornets tend to hide in French homes

Asian hornets, first spotted in France in 2004, have now been identified across the entire country. As an invasive species, they cause significant damage to native bee populations and hives, and tend to proliferate rapidly due to a lack of natural predators.

This year is expected to be particularly challenging, as the mild winter has allowed more queens than usual to survive hibernation, the Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle said.

Between February and May, the queen slowly and discreetly begins constructing her nest. At this stage, it is small (just 3 to 5 cm in diameter) resembling a ping-pong ball rather than a typical nest, which makes it difficult to spot.

However, if they go unnoticed in spring, they can cause serious problems by summer. The nest grows rapidly, and if left undisturbed, can develop into a large colony by the following year. Asian hornets are estimated to cost the beekeeping sector nearly €6 million annually.

Where do Asian hornets build their nests?

Asian hornets look for warm, wooden, and wind-sheltered locations. A common site is under roofs.

During the spring months, a careful roof inspection can help prevent problems later. From ground level, check exposed overhangs, cornices, discreet corners, and well-protected areas.

They often build nests on the underside of roofs, along fascia boards, inside boxes, or beneath awnings.

You may notice a queen hornet making repeated back-and-forth movements to a specific spot. A faint buzzing sound or a lone hornet returning regularly to the same place can be a clear sign of activity.

Another popular location is garden sheds, as these are quiet, dry, and rarely disturbed. During spring, these should also be inspected thoroughly. Pay close attention to dark corners, where beams meet the roof, and the tops of shelves or stored items.

After each inspection, keep a distance of around 2–3 metres from the inspected area and pause for a few seconds before moving on to the next.

What to do if you find a nest

Do not attempt to remove a nest yourself. Keep a safe distance, even if it appears small and harmless, and ensure that children and pets stay well away.

If possible take a photograph of the nest while keeping a distance, using zoom and no flash, so you can accurately record its location. Then report it to your local town hall or to certified professionals who are trained to deal with such situations.

Depending on your area, the authorities will either direct you to a specialist or arrange for removal.

Install traps before it becomes a problem

The most effective approach is prevention. Installing traps early can help reduce the risk before it escalates.

APIVET83, the beekeeping association in Var (PACA), is among the organisations encouraging residents to install traps in their gardens and to limit access to water sources, which attract hornets.

Working with local mairies, some associations offer approved Asian hornet traps, often free of charge, or at a low cost. Residents are strongly advised to use proper traps rather than homemade ones, as improvised solutions may capture and kill a wide range of insects instead of targeting Asian hornets specifically.