As part of the transnational LEADER project, project coordinator Petra STEINMETZ hosted an information event on the topic of the Asian Hornet / Vespa Velutina at the Machera Cultural Center in Grevenmacher on April 23rd.

Around 30 interested people from Luxembourg and Germany – including beekeepers, winegrowers, municipal employees, and wastewater treatment plant employees – attended the event. Speaker Carsten EMSER, accompanied by the Südwestrundfunk (SWR) broadcaster, vividly explained the biology, lifestyle, and distribution of this hornet species, which originally comes from Asia. Participants also received important practical tips on how to deal with this dangerous insect and how to remove its nests from trained personnel.

After approximately 2.5 hours, the event concluded with the realization that we have to live with this invasive insect species, but also that we are aware of the dangers of careless handling. Raising awareness and informing the public accordingly is therefore of great importance.