Pay attention to avoid risks: this is what Asian hornets look like in Spain and this is what you should do if you get stung.

Health authorities have issued another warning due to the increase in attacks by an invasive wasp species that has spread across much of northern Spain. Its increasingly aggressive behavior and prolonged activity outside of the summer season have raised serious concerns, especially in rural areas where most incidents are concentrated.

This is the Asian hornet , or Vespa velutina , a species native to Southeast Asia that arrived on the Iberian Peninsula just over a decade ago. Dark brown in color, with yellow tips on its legs and an orange stripe on its abdomen, it can reach between two and four centimeters in length. Until a few years ago, its peak activity period was between June and September, but experts warn that it now remains active even in autumn due to climate change and the lack of frost.

In recent weeks, several fatal attacks have occurred in Galicia , where mild temperatures and abundant food have favored the species' expansion. Experts confirm that this species is breaking its own rules, as nests remain active for longer periods and in increasingly larger areas. In 2025, in this region alone, more than 14,000 nests have been removed and some 230,000 queens captured , double the number from the previous year.

What to do if you get stung by an Asian hornet

Emergency specialists recommend staying calm and acting quickly. In most cases, Asian hornet stings cause localized swelling and pain, so simply cleaning the area with soap and cold water and applying ice to reduce swelling is sufficient. However, if an allergic reaction occurs or symptoms such as dizziness, difficulty breathing, or generalized swelling appear, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention or call emergency services.

To avoid risks, experts insist on not approaching nests or attempting to destroy them without professional help. They also recommend inspecting the area before undertaking tasks such as clearing brush, hunting, or working in the fields, as well as avoiding loud noises near dense vegetation. With Asian hornet activity now extending from April to November, prevention has become the most effective tool against a species that has found an ideal habitat in northern Spain to continue its spread.