The Oriental Hornet (Vespa orientalis) continues to pose a serious threat to the Maltese Honey Bee, local apiculture, biodiversity and public safety. In response, the Foundation is strengthening its collaborative efforts by working with local professionals to develop solutions to this growing challenge:
- Partnership with a Pest Controller to support safe and professional removal of Oriental Hornet nests
- Collaboration with local beekeeper and innovator to produce specially designed Oriental Hornet exclusion cage for beehives
Oriental Hornet Nest Removal
The Foundation has partnered with a professional Pest Controller to provide a safe and coordinated approach to Oriental Hornet nest removal. As hornet nests begin to establish themselves during the warmer summer months, we encourage anyone requiring nest removal services to fill the form below.
Furthermore, the associated Pest Control company has generously agreed to donate a part of every service fee to support the Foundation’s work. This means that by using this service, you will not only be supporting a local Maltese business, but also contributing towards more awareness and initiatives focused on the challenges facing the Maltese Honey Bee, Malta’s National Insect.
Oriental Hornet Exclusion Cage for Beehives
The Foundation has partnered with a local beekeeper and innovator to make protective Oriental Hornet exclusion cage available to beekeepers across Malta.
The Oriental Hornet exclusion cage is fitted to the front of the beehive and is designed to prevent oriental hornets from reaching the hive entrance, while still allowing honey bees to enter and leave freely. The cage can be adapted to fit most types of hives commonly used in Malta, and custom-sized versions may also be produced where required.
According to the developer’s observations, colonies protected by the cages showed improved strength and survival compared with unprotected colonies. This also meant that protected colonies were more productive come next period. The design has been developed and tested over several beekeeping seasons.
Each cage is being sold for €50.
Beekeepers interested in purchasing a cage or requesting further information are invited to contact the Foundation by email at info@maltesehoneybee.org.
This cooperation reflect the Foundation‘s commitment to supporting both preventative measures and direct action to protect honey bee colonies and the wider community,as the Oriental Hornet continues to pose a serious danger not only to the Maltese Honey Bee and local apiculture, but also to public health. These actions position the Foundation at the forefront of honey bee conservation and environmental stewardship. If you would like to learn more about this species, we invite you to read our previous post covering important facts about the Oriental Hornet.
To stay up to date with the Foundation’s work, we warmly invite you to join our WhatsApp community. The smooth functioning of our organisation relies on financial resources, and your support is essential. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a real difference in advancing our mission. You can help by joining the Foundation’s cause, become a supporter for just €10 a year or make a donation here: Support the Foundation.
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