Webinar – Vespa velutina: Biology, Control and Honey Bee Health

This webinar explores the biological cycle of Vespa velutina nigrithorax (yellow-legged hornet) and its expansion as an invasive species, highlighting key periods for its detection and control.

This presentation will cover:

• The main impacts of Vespa velutina on beekeeping, including:
  • Bee predation
  • Colony stress and weakening
  • Reduced colony productivity
  • The need for supplementary feeding during periods of high predation pressure
• Key management and control strategies for V. velutina in and around apiaries.
• The importance of an integrated management approach addressing both Varroa destructor and V. velutina, highlighting how their combined pressure can weaken colonies and compromise overall bee health.