Zurich sightings of Asian hornets rise nearly sevenfold
Friday 2nd October 2026 on 19:15 in
Switzerland
More than 650 Asian hornets have been sighted in the canton of Zurich in 2026, nearly seven times last year’s total, SRF reports. Authorities say they can no longer stop the introduced species from spreading, and warn that it threatens bees.
The hornets’ spread has accelerated sharply, SRF reports, citing the Tages-Anzeiger. The previous goal was to remove as many nests as possible, but that is no longer feasible, said Katharina Weber, a spokesperson for Zurich’s cantonal building department. She said efforts should focus on slowing the spread for as long as possible.
Identify the hornet, and do not panic
Individual Asian hornets are not aggressive, SRF says. They are mostly black to dark brown, with bright yellow feet and an orange-yellow band on the abdomen. The protected European hornet is larger, with a reddish-brown head and thorax and a yellow-and-black striped abdomen.
Asian hornet queens can grow to 30 millimetres and workers to 15 to 25 millimetres. European hornet queens can reach 35 millimetres, while workers measure 18 to 25 millimetres.
Photograph and report sightings
Anyone who suspects they have seen an Asian hornet should take a clear photograph from a safe distance rather than kill it. Experts can use the image to identify the insect. In some cases, they may be able to track a live hornet back to its nest.
Every sighting should be reported, with a photograph and location, through the national reporting platform at asiatischehornisse.ch. Reports are automatically forwarded to the relevant cantonal office, which coordinates the next steps.
Leave nests to specialists
Asian hornet nests can grow to one metre across and are aggressively defended within several metres. Approaching one is dangerous. Trained specialists are responsible for locating and removing nests, with the authorities organising the work after a report is confirmed.
The Swiss Association of Pest Controllers also says the species is spreading rapidly. The hornets arrived from the direction of France, with sightings initially limited to a few insects before numbers rose quickly. The association’s Isabelle Landau said efforts now aim to slow population growth, including removing nests before they produce offspring.