With the beginning of spring, the Municipal Council of Marinha Grande informs the population that Asian wasps, or velutina wasps, will be more active, meaning that a greater number of nests are expected to spread throughout the city.
The Asian wasp is a predator of the European bee and represents a threat to the sustainability of national beekeeping, making it necessary to combat this species.
It is possible to distinguish these wasps from other common species in our country, by their legs with yellow tips, their dark abdomen with a yellow stripe and their increased size.
The nests “are usually found in the tops of trees, in sheds, porches, balconies, sheds, on the ground and on walls” explains a statement from the Municipal Council of Marinha Grande.
When nests are seen, the municipality reinforces that they should not be destroyed by citizens “under any circumstances”, and residents are asked to alert the responsible authorities, such as the City Council (244 573 300), GNR-SOS Ambiente (808 200 520) or the nearest parish council, who will be responsible for evaluating the best technique to destroy the nest without additional risks.
The municipality also states that “this species is not considered more dangerous to humans than the European wasp”.
