Invasive Asian hornet species confirmed in Moravia-Silesia

The Agency for Nature and Landscape Protection has confirmed the first verified occurrence of the Asian hornet in the Moravia-Silesia region. The agency’s Karolína Šůlová said the invasive species had appeared in the Opava region and experts had found and destroyed the nest.

The Asian hornet was first spotted in this country last year in Plzeň. It is dangerous to the ecosystem since it preys on honeybees.  According to nature conservationists, it is capable of spreading rapidly, so it is important that people report suspected sightings to the Czech Nature and Landscape Protection Agency. Its staff will verify the hornet's presence and destroy the nests in cooperation with the fire brigade.