Do not mistake this harmless insect in your French garden for an Asian hornet
Its size and colouring are the main reasons it is sometimes mistaken
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Mairies across France are reminding people during this season not to mistake harmless scolie des jardins (mammoth wasp) for the invasive Asian hornet.
The large black-and-yellow insect may look alarming at first sight, but it is not considered dangerous to humans. Although females do have a sting, they rarely use it unless handled or directly threatened. It plays an important role in local ecosystems as a pollinator.
These warnings come as growing concern about the Asian hornet has led some people to remove or trap insects they believe could be dangerous.
Homemade traps, often made from plastic bottles containing attractants, do not distinguish between Asian hornets and other insects, meaning they can also capture harmless native species. Experts recommend using approved traps designed specifically for Asian hornets, particularly in spring when queens emerge from hibernation and begin creating new colonies.
The mairie of Linxe, in the Landes, recently reminded residents that “when insects fly around on sunny days, we are tempted to be wary of them or even try to get rid of them,” however, they urged people to “be careful not to confuse the scolie des jardins with the Asian hornet: the scolie des jardins is completely harmless, even though it has a stinger.”
The mairie of Eyragues, in the Bouches-du-Rhône, issued a similar message after scolies were seen near the local medical centre. “Do not panic, and above all do not confuse it with a hornet: the scolie des jardins poses no danger to humans,” it said, encouraging residents to observe the insect rather than try to remove it.
What is the scolie des jardins?
The scolie des jardins can measure several centimetres long and has a large black body, yellow markings on its abdomen and, in females, a distinctive yellow patch on the head.
Its size and colouring are the main reasons it is sometimes mistaken for the Asian hornet, an invasive species that has spread widely in France and is known for damaging bee colonies.
However, the two insects behave very differently. Unlike the Asian hornet, the scolie des jardins is a solitary insect. It does not build large colonies, does not create nests near homes and is not aggressive towards humans.
Although females have a sting, they rarely use it and only do so if they feel directly threatened.
Meanwhile, the scolie des jardins provides several environmental benefits. Adult scolies feed on nectar and help pollinate flowers, contributing to biodiversity in gardens and green spaces.
It also contributes to the natural balance of gardens. Its larvae feed on the larvae of certain large beetles living underground, helping to regulate their populations.
The insect is an important ally rather than a pest and the best thing to do if you see one is to simply leave it alone.
Asian hornets: summer activity is increasing
The Asian hornet first appeared in France in 2004, likely arriving from China via imported goods. Now widespread across the country, it lives in colonies and is a threat to honeybees and biodiversity.
Currently, 1,273 Asian hornet nests have been reported in France this season, according to the LeFrelon monitoring platform, including 1,137 confirmed nests and 845 destroyed. Particularly high numbers have been noted in Bas-Rhin (227 confirmed nests), Haut-Rhin (208), Bouches-du-Rhône (152) and Ardèche (134).
However, these figures are only from reported sightings so actual numbers are likely to be much higher.
July is the period when colonies become more visible as nests grow and activity increases. Warmer weather is also prompting some communities to strengthen their monitoring and control measures.
For example, the Nérigean commune in Gironde has organised a network of volunteer trappers and a reporting system so that suspected nests can be dealt with through the mairie rather than by residents acting alone, reports ICI Gironde.
What to do if you find an Asian hornet nest
Asian hornets often build nests in sheltered, hard-to-see locations, including under roof overhangs, inside sheds, beneath awnings, or in trees. Early nests created by queens in spring can be surprisingly small (sometimes only a few centimetres across) before growing during summer.
If you find an Asian hornet nest, do not to try and remove it yourself, keep a safe distance, and use your phone to get a photograph using zoom and no flash.
Then you should report it to your local mairie or certified professionals who are trained to deal with them.
