Early in the morning near the Pétrusse, RTL accompanied a team from Luxembourg City's Security Service, dressed in protective gear, to tackle the removal of an Asian hornet nest.
Carole Krier from the Security Service explained that this invasive species has now become established in Luxembourg, creating problems for all of Europe because it has adapted to local conditions and can no longer be eradicated. The only available countermeasure at this point is to contain its spread.
Before the intervention began, the team reviewed their plan, focusing in particular on the nest’s considerable size.
Krier noted that this nest was already a large one for the season, but it is impossible to know from the outside exactly how many hornets would be inside. In a typical season, a nest can contain up to 2,000 hornets simultaneously by autumn.
The timing of the operation was carefully chosen, as Krier explained that at this time of day, with temperatures around three degrees, the hornets are slower and less active. They are also less aggressive than they would be when it's 20°C.
Once preparations were complete, the team moved in. Using a long pole that channels steam, they heated the nest and its inhabitants, including larvae, to over 100°C.
The procedure involves a steam machine, essentially cooking the hornets to neutralise everything.
With the nest removed, Krier pointed out that the Asian hornet does not only challenge humans, it also disrupts local ecosystems.
The hornet preys on a large number of insects, from wild bees and butterflies to hoverflies, and even honey bees. At this time of year, when the ivy is still in bloom, the hornets are foraging there. When they are searching for food, they are no more dangerous than native wasps. However, if someone approaches their nest, they will defend it and can launch aggressive attacks.
Friday’s intervention was neither the first nor the last for the city’s teams this year. Krier notes that her team has received reports of 129 nests. This figure is not final, as more nests are expected to be reported through to mid-December.
For now, calm has returned to Grund, but the Asian hornet is expected to remain an ongoing concern.
