PESTEX, LONDON
TECHNICAL THEATRE 
DAY 2, THURSDAY 17 MARCH 2022
15.00 - 15.45

Presented by: Robert Moon, Applicateur 3D

The Asian hornet arrived in France via Bordeaux in 2004 carried over in a shipment from China. At first nobody knew what to do with them, so it was left to local farmers to blast them out of trees with their 12 bore shotguns, which unsurprisingly led to their rapid spread throughout France. 
 
Previously the Pompiers undertook the destruction of hornet nests. They stopped doing this in 2014 because they were spending too much time treating hornets than saving lives elsewhere. I was in the right place at the right time. I was contacted along with several other Pest Controllers to form a specialist squad to destroy all Asian hornet nests located within our area. I work closely with the Police Municipale and the local councils, and apiculturists. From their peak in 2018 when I treated over 250 AH nests that year, there has been a steady decline in AH sightings. 
 
I have been working with manufacturers of clothing and materials in the UK, France and beyond, testing their products specifically regarding their efficacy against Asian hornets. I have brokered international communications to help in their elimination, as an invasive species.
 
The summers can be stiflingly hot in central France, sometimes being over 35° for weeks on end. Most years this can result in a proliferation of stinging-flying insects. A lot of my business follows the life cycle of wasps and hornets, being approximately Easter until Halloween.  Now, with the arrival of Asian hornets in our Département in 2014, the season has been extended until mid-December. 
 
Pest Control in France is an artisan trade. Everybody must have a diploma and be qualified to use the products and chemicals designed to control pests. If you do not have a diploma, and have not registered your activity, then you will be trading illegally. The penalties are severe. 
The main point of my talk is to explain that the Asian hornet should not be left to unqualified hobbyists. the need to train already qualified Pest Controllers in the methods of destruction, with the maximum protection to the operative, environment and the local population.
 
The Asian hornet is an invasive species, therefore needs to be destroyed. That process should only be carried out by professionals.

This Seminar is held at PestEx: the pest management show and is completely free to attend. Register now: pestex.org/register