First detected in Luxembourg in 2020, the Vespa velutina has now firmly established itself. In response to a parliamentary question from MPs Joëlle Welfring and Djuna Bernard of The Greens (déi Gréng), Environment Minister Serge Wilmes and Health and Social Security Minister Martine Deprez confirmed the species’ rapid expansion.
Three nests were identified and destroyed in 2020, followed by just two in both 2021 and 2022. However, the number rose sharply to 28 nests in 2023 and surged further in 2024, with 123 nests recorded. “Given how the species has spread in neighbouring countries, we can expect these numbers to continue rising”, wrote Ministers Serge Wilmes and Martine Deprez.
The government noted that while the sting of the Asian hornet is not significantly more dangerous than that of other European wasps or hornets, the species’ defensive behaviour poses a greater risk. Asian hornets may attack in groups if they perceive a threat to their nest, which increases the likelihood of multiple stings, potentially entailing severe allergic reactions for sensitive individuals.
According to data from the Hospital Centre Emile Mayrisch, there were 122 recorded cases of hymenopteran stings between January 2023 and April 2025, of which 15 involved multiple stings, potentially linked to Asian hornets.
“In general, medical treatment for an Asian hornet sting does not differ from that for stings from other hymenopterans”, the ministers stated. The Ministry of Health, however, currently has no data confirming whether toxic reactions have increased.
In response to the growing threat, the government allocated specific resources in 2024, including a €6,000 budget and a full-time position from July to December within the Nature and Forest Agency for hornet control and nest removal. The species is also listed as an invasive alien species of concern by the EU. A revision of Luxembourg’s national action plan on invasive species is scheduled for 2025.
A dedicated email address has been set up in Luxembourg for reporting sightings of Asian hornet nests: vespa@neobiota.lu.
Sightings can also be reported via the international platform iNaturalist. Authorities strongly advise against removing nests without professional help.
