The presence of the Asian wasp was confirmed in the Algarve, with recent records in the municipality of Silves, leading local authorities to reinforce surveillance measures and alert the population to the procedures to be adopted in the event of a sighting.
The species, known scientifically as “vespa velutina”, is considered “invasive” and has been expanding throughout the national territory, with identified impacts on both the environment and beekeeping activities.
According to a statement from , two primary nests were identified and destroyed in the parishes of Alcantarilha and São Bartolomeu de Messines. Faced with these cases, the municipality reinforced the trap network in areas considered at risk, with the aim of improving the detection and monitoring of the species.
How to identify an Asian vespa
The velutina wasp is about three centimeters long and is distinguished by a dark abdomen with a thin yellow stripe and an orange stripe at the end.
It also has a black head with a yellowish face and yellow legs, characteristics that allow it to be differentiated from other similar species present in Portugal. According to the same source, primary nests, small in size and spherical in shape, are more common at this stage of the year. These nests can appear in sheltered places, such as eaves, outbuildings, warehouses or bushes, often close to homes.
The authorities recommend that any suspicions be reported through the official platform made available for this purpose or to municipal services. The indication is clear: you should not try to remove nests or approach them, and contact should be made with the Civil Protection and Forestry Service of the Municipality of Silves.
The municipality has teams of forestry experts prepared to validate occurrences and intervene on the ground. This monitoring allows for a faster and more controlled response when new outbreaks are detected.
Danger to humans
Although alone it is not considered more venomous than other wasps, the risk increases when they act in groups. According to Veja magazine, multiple attacks can cause serious allergic reactions, especially if there is a high concentration of poison.
The Asian wasp does not only feed on bees, it also affects other pollinating insects. This behavior puts biodiversity and natural pollination processes at risk. The expansion of the species in national territory continues to be monitored by authorities and entities linked to the environment. Monitoring cases and the collaboration of the population are considered essential to limit their spread.
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