You are in the garden of your home in Marbella, enjoying the good weather, and suddenly you hear a loud, deep buzzing. You see a huge insect and the first thing you think (because it is what always appears in the news) is: “It’s the dreaded Asian hornet!”.
However, as pest control experts on the Costa del Sol, we have some important news for you: the insect that is rapidly colonising Marbella is not the Asian hornet (Vespa velutina), but its cousin, the very dangerous Oriental hornet (Vespa orientalis).
This confusion is very common among our customers, but knowing which species you are dealing with is vital, because their behaviour, their aggressiveness and the places where they hide their nests are completely different.
How to identify the Oriental hornet (Vespa orientalis)
Unlike the common wasp, the oriental hornet stands out for its large size, but if you look closely, its colours quickly give it away:
It has a striking reddish or maroon body.
It has a very wide, bright yellow band at the end of the abdomen (the tail) and a yellow patch on its head.
They are very well adapted to extreme heat and sun, so you will see them very active in the middle of the day in Marbella, looking for water near swimming pools, fountains and irrigation systems.
The hidden danger: where do they build their nests?
This is where the Oriental hornet becomes really dangerous for your family. While the famous Asian hornet usually builds its nests at the top of very tall trees, the Oriental hornet loves to nest close to the ground or in gaps in your own home.
It is very common for them to build their nests underground, in gaps in walls, in roller-shutter boxes, cavity walls, false ceilings or even in water and electricity meter boxes. This greatly increases the risk of you, your children or your pets stepping on or touching a nest by accident.
Why using a supermarket insecticide is the worst mistake
If you find a hole in your garden wall where these reddish hornets fly in and out, under no circumstances go near it to block it or use household sprays.
The Oriental hornet is extremely territorial and aggressive if it feels its nest (where its queen is) is under threat. If you attack them without the right equipment, you will cause them to swarm out. Their sting is very painful and, with multiple stings, the risk of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylactic shock) is very high and requires urgent medical attention.
What should you do if you see Oriental hornets on your property?
At RapiPlaga we know exactly how Vespa orientalis behaves in our area. Removing these nests requires special extra-thick suits (normal beekeeper suits are not enough), specific tools and biocides for professional use only, to neutralise the entire colony in seconds without putting anyone at risk.
If you have spotted this reddish intruder in your garden or suspect where its nest is, don’t take chances. Visit our wasp and hornet control page for Málaga and find out how we can help you urgently and safely. For any other pest, see our pest control service in Marbella.
