Vespa Alert Belgium

PROCEDURE

WHEN YOU OBSERVE AN ASIAN HORNET NEST

Procedure when a nest is observed

Regional decision trees

Guidance for recorders for the neutralisation of Asian hornet nests, depending on the Region (Flanders, Brussels, Wallonia).

In Belgium, the Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) is an invasive species that poses a risk to honey bees, biodiversity and public safety. This page clearly explains the procedure to follow when an Asian hornet nest is observed, with specific decision trees for Flanders, the Brussels-Capital Region and Wallonia. For every new observation, make sure to register the nest via the nest reporting form, consult the map of reported nests and read the FAQ on the Asian hornet.

Never attempt to destroy a nest yourself.
Keep a safe distance, warn people nearby and follow the procedure that applies in your Region.

Region

Flanders

  • Asian hornet nest in Flanders
    • Step 1:  register the nest on VespaWatch.be.
    • On private property? yes / no
      • Yes – on private property:
        The owner decides how to manage the nest and, if needed, contacts a private pest control company.
      • No – in public space:
        Contact the municipality (environment / public works) and the fire brigade in case of immediate danger.
    • If the nest is located in a sensitive area (school, nursery, hospital, nursing home, apiary, busy park), classify it as a high-priority nest.

Report a nest in Flanders

Region

Brussels-Capital

  • Asian hornet nest in the Brussels-Capital Region
    • Step 1:  register the nest on Vespa-Alert.be.
    • Emergency situation? yes / no
      • Yes:
        • Life-threatening emergency (mass attack, severe allergic reaction, etc.) → call 112.
        • Non-life-threatening but urgent situation requiring rapid intervention → call 1722.
      • No: continue according to the location of the nest.
    • Where is the nest located?
      • Municipal public space:
        Contact the Public Space / Environment department of the municipality.
        Check whether the municipality uses SIAMU (fire & rescue service) or a private operator.
      • Regional public space:
        • Regional road → Brussels Mobility.
        • Green area → Brussels Environment.
      • Private property:
        Inform the Vespa Hunters group for the relevant postal code and, if necessary, suggest calling a private pest control company.
    • If the nest is near a school, nursery, nursing home, hospital, busy park or apiary, classify it as a high-priority nest and forward the information quickly to the Vespa Hunters and the competent authorities.

Report a nest in Brussels

Region

Wallonia

  • Asian hornet nest in Wallonia
    • Step 1:  register the nest on Vespa-Alert.be.
    • Emergency situation? yes / no
      • Yes:
        • Life-threatening emergency → call 112.
        • Non-life-threatening emergency requiring intervention → call 1722.
      • No: continue according to the location of the nest.
    • Where is the nest located?
      • Private property:
        The owner calls a pest control company.
      • Municipal public space:
        Contact the Environment department of the municipality (procedures may vary between municipalities).
      • Regional public space:
        Contact SPW – Département Nature or the competent regional manager.
    • If the nest is close to a school, nursery, nursing home, hospital, busy park or apiary, classify it as a high-priority nest.

Report a nest in Wallonia