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Cartagena is stepping up efforts to stop the spread of the Oriental hornet after several specimens were discovered in the city and a nest was destroyed in the La Concepción neighbourhood.

 

The invasive species was first spotted near the Roman Theatre, confirming earlier concerns that the hornet had reached the municipality. Since then, further sightings have been reported, prompting the council to expand its monitoring programme.

 

According to Cartagena City Council, teams are continuing to search for additional nests across the municipality.

 

Officials say residents have played a vital role in the operation, with members of the public sending photographs and reports of suspected sightings to the council's pest control service.

 

Each report is checked by specialist technicians, allowing them to confirm whether the insects are Oriental hornets and respond quickly if further nests are discovered.

 

The council is also working alongside local beekeepers and the regional veterinary service responsible for apiculture.

 

Beekeepers were among the first to raise concerns about the arrival of the species because of the threat it poses to honeybees and other pollinating insects, which play a vital role in local ecosystems and agriculture.

 

To help residents distinguish the Oriental hornet from other wasp species found in the Region of Murcia, the council has also produced an identification guide highlighting its main characteristics.

 

 

Anyone who believes they have spotted an Oriental hornet or found a possible nest is being urged not to approach or disturb it.

 

Instead, the council is asking people to take a photograph, if it is safe to do so, and email it together with the exact location to the municipal pest control service at controlplagas@ayto-cartagena.es so specialists can investigate.

 

By responding quickly to new sightings, officials hope they can prevent the invasive hornet from becoming firmly established in the area.

 

 

Images: Charles J. Sharp, Sharp Photography / Ayuntamiento de Cartagena