The hornet Vespa velutina is native to Asia, but has invaded a number of countries far afield from its origins. It was introduced into the southwest of France in 2004 or slightly earlier, and more recently spread to the neighbouring countries. Adapting well to the climate of the majority of French regions, it continues its expansion. In Switzerland, the Asian hornet was first detected in 2017 in the Jura. Since 2019, Vespa velutina has also been observed in the cantons of GE, VD and FR. For the moment (Sept. 2023), it has been observed in several cantons in Switzerland and several nests have already been destroyed in the cantons of BE, VD, GE, JU, NE, FR, SO and BL where it can be considered established.
