Wednesday 08 May 2024 – 09:30
A nest of Vespa velutina, the much feared bee killer insect, was identified for the first time in the city, near the car park of a commercial area: it happened in Lucca, in via delle Cornacchie. The nest of Asian hornet it was found on a cherry tree at a height of approximately 3 metres, near the car park of a commercial area.
The Municipality recommends caution since the insect bite can also have serious consequences for humans. Hence the appeal to promptly provide the reports of any other sightings, without however approaching or even touching the nests.
“The technicians who carried out the inspection in via delle Cornacchie – says the Municipality of Lucca – assume that the nest is devoid of individuals, but it appears it is very likely that there may be other active nests in the area“.
Vespa velutina: identikit and what to do
The Vespa Velutina, or Asian Hornet, is particularly dangerous for beesas it nourishes its larvae with protein substances that it manages to obtain by killing them, for agriculturebecause it obtains sugary substances by damaging the fruits found on the plants and for the populationas it is very aggressive near the nests and its bite can cause serious consequences.
The Municipality of Lucca therefore requests the collaboration of citizens to identify any Vespa Velutina nests, the presence of which must be reported asking to speak to the competent municipal office (telephone 0583 4422) or to the Garfagnana Vespa Velutina association, which promoted the first report (tel. 339 3275069 – email: [email protected]).
“It is very important, therefore, know how to recognize the Vespa Velutina, without confusing it with the common bumblebee. The Vespa Velutine – explains the municipal administration – have dark legs, except for the yellow extremities. The front part of the head is orange-yellow, while the antennae are black. Queen wasps can reach a size of about 4 centimeters.”
As for the shape of the primary nest, this it is spherical and hollow and about the size of an orange. Towards the end of May, or when the colony is larger, the Asian hornets migrate to buildking another larger nest, shaped like a potatooften at the tops of trees.
“The removal of Vespa Velutina nests can be done only and exclusively by qualified and/or authorized personnel, competent bodies. If you spot a nest, it is therefore recommended not to approach it and never take personal actions that could cause danger”, underlines a note from the Municipality of Lucca.
