Management of honey bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) colonies under yellow-legged hornet (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) pressure

Abstract

The yellow-legged hornet, Vespa velutina nigrithorax du Buysson, 1905, is a common predator of the honey bee, Apis mellifera, Linnaeus. It has become an invasive species in several territories around the world, constituting a major threat to beekeeping in those areas. Management strategies are based on destroying the hornets’ nests, trapping adults, or physical interventions to protect honey bee colonies. However, there is a lack of information on how beekeepers should manage their colonies when the yellow-legged hornet is present. Here we present an overview of the life cycle and identification of the yellow-legged hornet, and common control methods used in apiaries. Moreover, we highlight the importance of management techniques for improving honey bee colony survival, including recommendations for beekeepers to achieve better colony health and strength. Essential for such management is close attention to colony food reserves and the provision of extra food when honey bee foraging is stopped by yellow-legged hornets predating foragers in front of the hive. Weak or diseased honey bee colonies succumb easily to the predator; therefore colony strength is key to survival. Although more research is needed to improve control strategies of this invasive species, this manuscript is a useful guide for honey bee colony management in invaded areas.