VESPA ALERT CHARTER

The Vespa Alert Charter aims to promote responsible management of Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) nests in Belgium. It is intended for professional pest controllers who wish to commit to quality, transparency and environmental protection.

By signing this charter, the pest controller joins a network of clearly identifiable partners for citizens and local stakeholders, sharing common principles in terms of safety, intervention methods, biodiversity protection and transparent pricing.

Objectives of the charter

The Vespa Alert Charter aims to:

• promote safe and controlled management of hornet nests;
• ensure professional interventions that are respectful of the environment;
• strengthen cooperation between citizens, pest controllers and public authorities;
• contribute to the control of invasive alien species, in particular the Asian hornet.

Core values

1. Safety first

• work with suitable personal protective equipment (PPE);
• secure the intervention area and keep bystanders at a safe distance;
• assess risks and adapt the intervention method accordingly;
• use neutralisation procedures appropriate to the species and context.

2. Responsible intervention

• where possible, give priority to mechanical or physical methods rather than chemical ones;

3. Respect for biodiversity

• correctly identify the species before any intervention (Asian hornet, European hornet, wasps, other insects);
• avoid destroying protected or beneficial species;
• minimise the impact of the intervention on fauna and flora.

Commitments of Vespa Alert partners

1. Identification and expertise

• perform a reliable identification of the nest, based on photos and/or an on-site visit;
• have adequate training for hornet management and the use of biocides;
• keep up to date with official and scientific recommendations.

2. Transparency and communication

• clearly explain the species involved, the level of risk and the method used;
• announce the intervention price before any work, with no hidden costs;
• be able to provide, on request, a brief intervention report (photos, description, date, location).

3. Responsiveness

• offer a reasonable intervention time frame, in proportion to the level of urgency;
• give priority to nests that present an obvious risk to the public.

4. Fair pricing

• apply clear, transparent and consistent prices;
• not charge unjustified surcharges, including in emergencies;
• clearly indicate what is included in the price (travel, equipment, possible follow-up, etc.).

5. Traceability and cooperation

• report confirmed nests via Vespa Alert or the competent regional platforms;
• contribute to the mapping of Asian hornet nests in order to better monitor the situation;
• share relevant information with authorities and monitoring bodies.

Environmental commitments

1. Limited use of biocides

• use biocides only when mechanical methods are insufficient or not applicable;
• use exclusively authorised products, in accordance with applicable legislation;
• comply with recommended doses and avoid any contamination of soil and water.

2. Respectful neutralisation

• limit the dispersion of hornets during the intervention;
• avoid operations that heavily disturb other species;
• properly manage waste and equipment after the intervention.

Ethical principles

• act with integrity, honesty and respect towards citizens and authorities;
• refuse unnecessary interventions or those that are contrary to regulations;
• inform citizens about the difference between hornets, wasps and other beneficial insects;
• promote good practices and awareness-raising rather than alarmist messages.

Cooperation with Vespa Alert

• accept that the company name may be mentioned on the Vespa Alert partners list;
• be allowed to use the “Vespa Alert Partner” label in accordance with the defined conditions;
• share feedback to improve practices and prevention;
• where possible, participate in communication and training activities.

Conditions for joining and removal

Joining the charter

To become a Vespa Alert partner, the pest controller must:

• accept the charter in its entirety, without reservation;
• provide the necessary professional information (company number, professional liability insurance, etc.);
• demonstrate a sufficient level of knowledge of the Asian hornet issue;
• indicate whether or not they hold a public contract relating to the fight against the Asian hornet (specifying, where applicable, the contracting authority and the area concerned).

Non-compliance with the charter

In the event of serious or repeated breaches of the charter, Vespa Alert reserves the right to:

• request explanations and corrective measures;
• temporarily suspend the partner’s mention on its communication channels;
• permanently remove the partner from the list in case of persistent non-compliance.

By signing the Vespa Alert Charter, the pest controller commits to contributing to a sustainable, safe and responsible approach to hornet control, in the interest of citizens and biodiversity. Any suspected nest can be reported via the page “Report a nest” or viewed on the map of Asian hornet nests in Belgium.