The Government confirms the presence of the Oriental hornet in Mallorca

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and the Natural Environment has confirmed the presence of the Oriental hornet (Vespa orientalis) in Mallorca, a new invasive species detected for the first time in the Balearic Islands. The first nest was found in the municipality of Esporles, in the area of Ses Rotgetes de Canet, and was removed during the second week of October.

In addition to the removed nest, a specimen of Oriental hornet was also captured this spring in Binibona, in the municipality of Selva, which already pointed to the possible arrival of the species on the island. Confirmation of this detection has activated the action protocol for the control and monitoring of invasive species, led by the Species Protection Service of the Ministry.

As for the 2025 campaign to control the Asian hornet (Vespa velutina), the Ministry has consolidated an intensive trapping programme and follow-up actions this year, which have enabled the location and removal of 21 nests in the southwest of Mallorca. During the spring, more than 1,000 traps were installed and checked, allowing the capture of 20 queens. It should be recalled that the Ministry allocated a total of €28,000 from Next Generation EU funds to this campaign, which made it possible to reinforce and intensify fieldwork during March, April and May.

This year, for the first time, an autumn trapping plan has also been scheduled with the aim of capturing new queens before they establish nests next spring and thus minimising the chances of reinfestation. These actions are part of the control and possible eradication plan for the species, which had been declared eradicated in 2021 but has reappeared sporadically in recent years.

The monitoring and surveillance programme for this species is possible thanks to the involvement and commitment of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and the Natural Environment—through the Species Protection Service and the Consortium for the Recovery of Wildlife of the Balearic Islands (COFIB)—and benefits from the technical advice of the University of the Balearic Islands (UIB).

It should be remembered that public cooperation is key to detecting nests of both species. If an Asian hornet or an Oriental hornet is observed, it must be reported to the Species Protection Service at (especies@dgmedinatural.caib.es).