Identification
Vespa-Watch – Identification guide
Practical identification page with photos and key features to distinguish Vespa velutina from similar species.
Open the identification guideResources about the Asian hornet in Belgium
This page brings together official websites, beekeeping associations, reporting platforms and educational resources to help you identify the Asian hornet (Vespa velutina), follow its spread in Belgium and find the right contacts to manage nests.
Identification of the Asian hornet
Reliable resources to correctly identify the Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) and avoid confusion with native species (European hornet, wasps, hoverflies).
Important
If you are unsure about the identification, do not intervene yourself. Please report it through our dedicated form so local networks can follow up.
Partner pest controllers – Vespa Alert Charter
Vespa Alert is building a network of partner pest controllers who have signed the Vespa Alert Charter. These professionals commit to working with a strong focus on safety, biodiversity and full transparency on their methods and prices.
Vespa Alert
Vespa Alert Charter
Reference document that sets out the commitments expected from partner pest controllers: safety, intervention methods, transparency, environmental care, ethics and cooperation with local networks.
View the Vespa Alert CharterPartner network
List of partner pest controllers
The list of companies that have officially signed the Vespa Alert Charter is currently being compiled. It will make it easier to identify professionals who work in line with these quality and transparency standards.
Access the list (under construction)Partner pest controllers commit in particular to:
- using methods consistent with Vespa Alert recommendations (targeted neutralisation, no toxic baits in open nature, no unauthorised biocides, etc.);
- providing clear and transparent pricing in advance, with no hidden charges;
- issuing, on request, a clear intervention report describing the method used and the justification for the action;
- applying best practices to limit the ecological impact of interventions on local fauna and flora.
Official resources
Institutions and public services providing information on biodiversity, invasive alien species and the management of the Asian hornet in Belgium and Europe.
Brussels
Brussels Environment
Official information from the Brussels-Capital Region on urban nature, invasive alien species and biodiversity management.
environnement.brusselsBelgium
FPS Public Health
General information on invasive alien species in Belgium, the legal framework and federal management measures.
health.belgium.beEurope
EASIN database
European information platform on invasive alien species, with datasheets, maps and scientific data.
easin.jrc.ec.europa.euBeekeeping associations
Beekeepers and naturalists especially involved in monitoring the Asian hornet and protecting pollinators in Brussels, Wallonia and Flanders.
Brussels
SRABE
Société Royale d’Apiculture de Bruxelles et des Environs: training, support for beekeepers and public awareness.
srabe.beBrussels
Groupe F
Collective of volunteer beekeepers involved in monitoring the Asian hornet and protecting pollinators.
Groupe F websiteWallonia
CARI – Beekeeping centre
Reference beekeeping centre in Wallonia: training, support for beekeepers, research and monitoring of threats such as the Asian hornet.
cari.beWallonia
FRW – Fédération Royale Wallonne d’Apiculture
Federation bringing together Walloon beekeeping circles, offering training, technical resources and awareness-raising activities.
federation-rwa.beFlanders
Vlaamse Imkersbond (VIB)
Flemish beekeepers’ association, active in training, health-risk prevention, and participation in the Asian hornet monitoring network.
vlaamse-imkersbond.beFlanders
KonVIB
Koninklijke Vlaamse Imkersbond, a network of beekeepers in Flanders involved in awareness-raising, training and pollinator protection.
konvib.beLocal networks
Local beekeeping groups
Many local groups help detect and monitor the Asian hornet throughout Belgium.
Ask your nearest beekeeping association for guidance.
Reporting platforms
In addition to the Vespa Alert Belgium report form, other platforms allow you to log observations of Asian hornets and other invasive species.
Reporting
Vespa-Watch
Reporting and monitoring platform for the Asian hornet in Flanders and other European countries, with maps and scientific data.
vespawatch.beObservations
Observations.be
Naturalist platform where you can record observations of fauna and flora, including the Asian hornet.
observations.beCoordination
Vespa Alert Belgium
Please use our dedicated form as a priority, to ensure effective coordination with local networks.
Report a nest