Procedure

When a nest is observed
Decision trees

Regional procedure in Belgium

This page helps to orient a report according to the Region and the type of location. Never attempt to destroy a nest yourself.

Keep your distance. Warn people nearby and follow the procedure that applies in your Region: Flanders, Brussels-Capital or Wallonia.
1

Observe without approaching

Keep your distance from the nest. Avoid vibrations, water jets, smoke or improvised products.

2

Locate precisely

Note the address, the support of the nest, the approximate height and add a photo if possible.

3

Choose the Region

The procedure differs between Flanders, Brussels-Capital and Wallonia.

4

Report to the right channel

Submit the nest through the platform or service indicated according to its location.

Immediate danger

In case of life-threatening danger, multiple stings or a dangerous inaccessible situation: call 112.

Intervention

Neutralisation must be carried out by a professional or competent service. Do not intervene yourself.

Local role

The follow-up depends on the municipality, the Region and the type of land concerned.

Register every new observation through the reporting form, consult the map and the FAQ.

In the Brussels-Capital Region, a clear distinction is now made between private property and public space: on private property, reporting is done via Vespa Alert; in public space, reporting is done via Fix My Street.

Role of Vespa Alert

Vespa Alert records reports to improve Asian hornet monitoring and make information available to the actors concerned.

Role of local authorities

The organisation of an intervention depends on local procedures, the municipality, the Region, the land manager and the competent services.

Safety

What not to do

These actions can increase the risk of attack or complicate the intervention.

Do not shake the tree, hedge, roof or support where the nest is located.

Do not use water jets, smoke, foam, household insecticide or improvised methods.

Do not block the nest entrance: this may trigger a defensive reaction.

Do not approach to take a photo. Use zoom and keep your distance.

Regions

Choose your Region

The guidelines differ depending on the Region and local organisation.

Region

Flanders

  • Asian hornet nest in Flanders
    • Step 1: register the nest on VespaWatch.be.
    • Private property? yes / no
      • Yes – on private property:
        The owner is responsible for the management and, if needed, contacts a pest control company.
        → See the list: partner pest controllers (Vespa Alert)
      • No – public space:
        Contact the municipality and the fire brigade in case of immediate danger.
    • If the nest is located in a sensitive area (school, nursery, hospital, nursing home, apiary, busy park), classify it as a high-priority nest.

Report a nest in Flanders

Region

Brussels-Capital

  • Asian hornet nest in the Brussels-Capital Region
    • Emergency situation? yes / no
      • Yes:
        Call 112 immediately.
        The fire brigade intervenes free of charge only in life-threatening emergencies or when the situation makes a place inaccessible.
        In all other cases, the intervention is subject to a fee.
      • No: continue according to the location of the nest.
    • Where is the nest located?
    • If the nest is located near a school, nursery, nursing home, hospital, busy park or apiary, classify it as a high-priority nest.
Brussels – legal obligation
If a nest causes a nuisance, the owner, manager or tenant must have it removed or neutralised. Failing that, the competent authority may intervene ex officio, at the owner’s expense.

Source: General Police Regulations – Art. 36. View the regulation (PDF)

Report a nest on private property

Report a nest in public space

Region

Wallonia

  • Asian hornet nest in Wallonia
    • Step 1: register the nest on Vespa-Alert.be.
    • Emergency situation? yes / no
      • Yes:
        • Life-threatening emergency → call 112.
        • Urgent but not life-threatening → call 1722.
      • No: continue according to the location.
    • Where is the nest located?
      • Private property:
        The owner contacts a pest control company.
        → See the list: partner pest controllers (Vespa Alert)
      • Municipal public space:
        Contact the municipality’s environment department.
      • Regional public space:
        Contact the SPW or the competent regional manager.
    • If the nest is located near a school, nursery, nursing home, hospital, busy park or apiary, classify it as a high-priority nest.

Report a nest in Wallonia

Report a nest