Asian hornets: how to stay calm at the garden table

The shock can run deep, but panicking is the worst possible response right now.

Asian hornets are spreading into parts of Germany too, regularly causing anxiety at garden tables. Many people swat at them or jump up abruptly. Yet this is precisely the behaviour that can make matters worse. A French insect researcher explains how people should really act near these insects – and why the main danger is often not a lone visitor at the table, but something quite different.

Why Asian hornets appear so threatening

Like bees and wasps, the Asian hornet belongs to the Hymenoptera order. It is slightly larger than the German wasp, has dark colouring and distinctive orange markings. Its low buzz and habit of flying directly around sweet foods or meat can quickly prompt panicked reactions.

The insects are especially common around laid tables in spring and summer. They are chiefly attracted to:

• grilled meat and sausages
• uncovered lemonade, juice and beer
• cake, ice cream and other sweet foods
• ripe fruit lying in the garden or hanging from trees

Many people assume that its sting is far more dangerous than one from a wasp or honeybee. Experts strongly temper those fears. Although the sting itself is painful, the venom has very similar effects to that of other stinging Hymenoptera.

“The greater danger does not come from an individual insect at the table, but from a nest located too close to people.”

How dangerous Asian hornet venom really is

Researchers stress that the Asian hornet’s venom cocktail has effects comparable with bee and wasp venom. A sting hurts, the affected area swells and it may burn. It becomes problematic in two circumstances:

• for people allergic to insect venom
• when someone receives many stings at once, for example close to a nest

The hornet can sting repeatedly because, unlike a honeybee’s, its sting does not remain lodged in tissue. Someone with an allergy may develop serious symptoms after just one sting. In healthy people, the outcome is usually limited to a local reaction – unpleasant, but manageable.

The crucial safe distance from an Asian hornet nest

The real risk starts near a nest. Guard hornets patrol there to defend their colony. According to the insect expert, people should stay at least 10 metres away from a nest, ideally farther, and avoid sudden movements within its flight path.

A nest may contain only a few dozen insects in spring, but by high summer it can house up to around 2,000 individuals. Anyone getting too close, or shaking branches or roof sections where it is attached, may provoke many hornets to attack at once. This can result in numerous stings within a short time.

“Anyone who finds a nest in the garden or on the outside of their house should not deal with it themselves, but call in professionals.”

Asian hornet at the garden table: how to respond properly

A single hornet at the table is primarily searching for food, not looking to attack. Experts’ most important advice is simple: remain calm. Even if the urge to swat it or hit it with a napkin feels overwhelming, that response does not help.

Mistakes to avoid

• do not wave your arms around wildly
• do not strike at the insect or trap it
• do not aim sprays, deodorant or burning objects directly at it
• do not try to blow it away riskily when it is directly in front of your face

Actions like these are often what make the hornet truly aggressive. It feels cornered, perceives the person as a threat and may sting.

What helps instead

Those who stay calm give themselves the best chance. Useful strategies include:

• temporarily taking sugary food or meat indoors into the kitchen
• covering drinks, especially children’s glasses
• calmly stepping away from the table if the insect comes very close
• moving indoors for a few minutes until the hornet has flown on

Many hornets leave again after a short time if they cannot find a worthwhile food source or realise that nobody is swatting at them.

“The safest response at the table: stay calm, move away, put food aside briefly – and make the hornet lose interest in visiting.”

Why killing an Asian hornet can worsen the situation

Counterintuitive as it may initially seem, deliberately killing an Asian hornet can actually aggravate the situation. When the insect is under acute stress, it releases particular scent chemicals. These pheromones signal to nearby hornets that danger is present.

If this scent reaches the nest, further hornets may fly over to “support” the supposedly attacked insect. A solitary visitor can then swiftly become a group that feels threatened. That is certainly not something anyone wants at a family barbecue.

What to do if there is a nest in the garden

Anyone spotting a nest in a tree, hedge, shed or beneath the roof ridge should move away immediately. Staying at least five metres away, and preferably 10 metres, is a sensible guide.

Important points include:

• prevent children and pets from accessing the area
• do not remain standing beneath the nest for long
• do not saw off branches or hammer on the exterior wall
• do not use homemade “poison mixtures”

On private property, only trained pest-control professionals should remove or relocate nests. In public spaces, the local authority, public-order office or fire service may be the appropriate contact, depending on the area.

What should you do after an Asian hornet sting?

If you have been stung, first leave the area – particularly if there may be a nest nearby. Then take the following steps:

1. Inspect the sting site and stay calm.
2. Remove jewellery from the hand, such as rings or tight bracelets, if swelling is likely.
3. Clean the area with water to reduce germs.
4. Cool it, for instance with a damp cloth or cold pack.
5. Optionally, use a sting-relief device or insect-venom suction device.
6. If itching is severe, apply a suitable anti-inflammatory cream.

Anyone known to have an allergic reaction should carry their emergency kit and contact emergency services immediately at the slightest sign of breathing difficulties, dizziness or circulatory problems. Multiple stings to the face or upper body also require particular attention, including for people without a known allergy.

Why the Asian hornet is also a problem for bees

Beyond the risk to people, this species also matters environmentally. It is considered invasive and preferentially hunts honeybees. It can sometimes be seen effectively “standing guard” outside hives and catching bees as they arrive. This may lead to substantial losses for beekeepers.

However, the insects also eat other creatures, including flies and spiders. Experts therefore aim to manage them in ways that protect people without indiscriminately destroying every insect. Nests in isolated locations may even be left in place where they cause no disturbance.

Practical ways to reduce everyday encounters

Anyone wanting to eat more peacefully on a terrace or balcony in summer can reduce the likelihood of visits with a few straightforward measures:

• clear away leftover food promptly and keep bins securely closed
• regularly collect ripe fallen fruit beneath trees
• serve drinks with lids or straws in closed cups
• try scented traps or certain strongly scented plants, such as tomato plants and particular herbs
• wear light, airy clothing rather than using heavily perfumed products

There is no absolute guarantee of safety, but the fewer appealing food sources are left uncovered, the less attractive your garden will be to these insects.

Those who know the basic rules – keep away from nests, remain calm at the table and avoid frantic attempts to fend them off – usually have nothing to fear. This makes it possible to enjoy the summer garden largely without worry despite Asian hornets.