Asian Hornet Spreads Rapidly Across Andorra's High Altitudes

The Asian hornet has rapidly spread across Andorra since its first detection three years ago, reaching high-altitude parishes and prompting ongoing efforts by forestry agents to control its numbers.

Forestry teams first found a nest of the invasive subspecies *Vespa velutina nigrithorax*—native to Indonesia, northern India's mountains, and China—in autumn 2022 between Aixovall and La Margineda. By 2023, nests appeared throughout Sant Julià de Lòria parish. The following year, they were identified in Andorra la Vella and Encamp, with agents destroying 38 nests in 2024. In 2025, more than 60 nests were located and removed, including some in La Massana. Queens have also been spotted in Canillo.

Ferran Teixidó, head of the forestry agents, said the species can survive up to 1,600 metres above sea level in Andorra. "We must stay vigilant to contain it as much as possible and reduce its population. But we will also have to learn to live with the Asian hornet because it is here to stay," he added.

Most interventions follow public alerts. Teixidó advised: if a nest is suspected, do not touch it but contact forestry agents immediately. Confirmed nests are treated with a biocide to eliminate the colony, followed by nest removal. Each nest typically houses around 2,000 hornets.

The insects favour humid areas near rivers and lakes, such as along the Valira river in urban centres. Last October, for instance, agents destroyed a nest in a building on Avinguda Carlemany.

Their stings are more painful than those of native species due to greater venom capacity and can be fatal for people allergic to hymenopteran venom. However, Teixidó stressed they are aggressive only when threatened.

The greater risk falls on beekeepers and native insects. Asian hornets prey on bees and others to feed their larvae, though bees have yet to develop defences. Apicultors use traps to block hornet access to hives and coordinate with agents. Officially invasive since 2022, the species requires government action to limit its spread under Andorran law.