Asian hornets have defied all efforts made to combat their spread through mainland Portugal.
The invasive species that threatens to decimate honeybee populations is now present in every district except Évora – with the government preparing to spend another 1.4 million euros in its war to destroy the insects’ massive nests.
These hornets have only one known predator, the honey buzzard.
Destroying nests is the best form of prevention. But is not an easy task, as the Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) builds nests in “high, remote points”, like the very top of trees.
For a background to this scourge, click here.
