Asiatische Hornisse St Gallen

PETER

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Post on Nov 21, 2024

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Asiatische Hornisse in St. Gallen: Was du wissen solltest

Hey Leute! Let's talk about something that's been buzzing – literally – around St. Gallen lately: the Asian hornet ( Vespa velutina). I know, it sounds scary, right? Giant hornets? Sounds like a horror movie. And honestly, there was a time I was pretty freaked out about them myself.

I remember last summer, I was having a BBQ with friends in my garden near St. Gallen. We were enjoying ourselves, you know, good food, good company, the works. Suddenly, this HUGE insect, way bigger than any wasp I’d ever seen, zoomed past my head. I yelped, nearly dropping my bratwurst! Turns out, it was an Asian hornet. My initial reaction was pure panic. I’m not usually afraid of insects, but this thing was seriously intimidating.

Was ist eine Asiatische Hornisse?

The Asian hornet isn't native to Switzerland, or to Europe for that matter. It's an invasive species, and unfortunately, it's been spreading rapidly. These things are pretty identifiable; they're significantly larger than our native European hornets, with a dark, velvety body and a distinctive yellow-orange band on their abdomen. Think of a darker, more menacing wasp.

Unlike what some people think, they aren't automatically aggressive. They're mostly interested in hunting other insects, particularly honeybees, which is a HUGE problem for our local ecosystems. They are a threat to bee populations, affecting our honey production and pollination efforts. So while they're not likely to attack you unless they feel threatened (like if you disturb their nest), it's still wise to keep your distance.

Was tun, wenn man eine Asiatische Hornisse sieht?

So, what should you do if you spot one? First, don't panic. Seriously, freaking out won't help anyone. Try to stay calm and observe it from a safe distance. I know it is easier said than done. Don’t try to swat at it or attempt to kill it yourself— that's when you're more likely to get stung.

If you see a nest, do not attempt to remove it yourself. This is incredibly dangerous, and you could risk serious injury. Instead, contact your local authorities or the relevant environmental agencies in St. Gallen. They have the proper equipment and training to handle these situations safely. You can usually find their contact information online.

This brings me to another point: information is your friend. Learn to identify the Asian hornet, so you can differentiate it from other similar insects. There are tons of resources online, including pictures and videos. I'd even recommend printing out some images to help you identify it easily in case you have an encounter.

Wie kann ich mein Haus schützen?

Protecting your home from Asian hornets involves a bit of preventative measures. Keep your windows and doors closed, especially during dusk and dawn when they are most active. Use insect screens on windows and doors, and check them for any gaps. Keep your garbage and compost bins tightly sealed to avoid attracting them. Reducing the presence of other insects in your garden will help to reduce the chance of attracting them to the area.

I messed up badly during my first encounter with the hornet by waving my hands around. That was dumb, as I know now. I've since learned to remain calm and keep my distance. This helped me avoid getting stung.

I hope this helps! Staying informed is key to coexisting peacefully with these invasive species. Let's keep St. Gallen safe, one hornet (or rather, one lack of hornet stings) at a time! Remember, if you have any concerns or see a nest, contact the local authorities immediately. Stay safe everyone!