The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Natural Environment has confirmed the presence of the oriental wasp (Vespa orientalis) in Mallorca, marking the first detection of this invasive species in the Balearic community.
Officials discovered the initial nest in Ses Rotgetes de Canet, Esporles, which was promptly removed in the second week of October. Earlier this spring, authorities had captured a single oriental wasp specimen in Binibona, within Selva's municipal boundaries, suggesting the species' potential arrival on the island.
The confirmation has activated the region's invasive species control and surveillance protocol, led by the Species Protection Service of the Department. This discovery comes alongside ongoing efforts to manage another invasive species, the Asian hornet (Vespa velutina).
Asian Hornet Control Programme
The 2025 Asian hornet control campaign has achieved significant results, with authorities locating and removing 21 nests in southwest Mallorca. The programme, supported by 28,000 euros from Next Generation EU funds, involved deploying over 1,000 traps during spring, successfully capturing 20 queen hornets.
Autumn Trapping Initiative
For the first time, an autumn trapping programme has been implemented to capture new queens before they establish nests in spring, aiming to minimise reinfestation risks. This initiative forms part of the control and potential eradication plan for the species, which had been declared eradicated in 2021 before sporadic reappearances.
Public Cooperation
The Department emphasises that public participation is crucial for detecting nests of both species. Residents who spot either an Asian hornet or oriental wasp should report sightings to the Species Protection Service via email at especies@dgmedinatural.caib.es