Stigas warns landscaping professionals about yellow-legged hornets during green maintenance work |
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Two arborists hospitalised after attack: check hedges and trees before pruning or mowing
When pruning a hedge, mowing tall grass or working in a tree, you could unexpectedly encounter a yellow-legged hornet nest. This can be dangerous. Last month, two arborists were hospitalised following an attack. The invasive species is now found across almost all of the Netherlands. Stigas is warning landscaping professionals and other green sector workers to inspect their work areas carefully beforehand and identify a safe escape route.
| Illustrative image generated with AI |
Working with hedge trimmers, brushcutters and chainsaws carries particular risks. Yellow-legged hornets react strongly to vibrations, movement and noise. When a nest is disturbed, hornets can release alarm pheromones that attract other members of the colony. This can cause a group of hornets to attack simultaneously. According to Stigas, the insects can sting through heavy work clothing. They can also spray liquid towards the eyes, potentially causing eye injuries.
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A nest may also be hidden inside a hedge that needs pruning
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Nests can also be found close to the ground
The yellow-legged hornet is slightly smaller than the European hornet. It can be recognised by its black thorax, yellow leg tips and a yellow band on its abdomen. In spring, queens build small nests in sheltered places such as sheds, nest boxes and hedges. From summer onwards, colonies can develop nests measuring 40 to 100 centimetres across, containing thousands of workers.
Nests are often found high in trees, but they can also occur in shrubs, wall cavities, beneath roof edges and even under manhole covers. This means landscaping professionals carrying out routine garden maintenance may unexpectedly come very close to a nest.
Inspect first, then start the machinery
Stigas advises workers to inspect trees, hedges and shrubs carefully before starting work. Look for unusual flight activity and hornets repeatedly flying towards the same location. Check a hedge from several directions before using a hedge trimmer. If you discover a nest, stop work, keep your distance and contact a specialist. Never attempt to remove the nest yourself.
Plan how to escape quickly and safely before starting work. Make sure the escape route is free of obstacles and discuss with colleagues what to do in the event of an attack. When working in trees or from a mobile elevating work platform, workers must know how to stop their activities immediately and descend safely.
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Check hedges and shrubs for unusual hornet flight activity before starting work
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Escape immediately if attacked
If you are attacked, move away from the nest immediately and escape to a safe location. Do not try to swat the hornets. Remember that alarm pheromones may remain on clothing and tools. Clean these after an attack before returning to work.
Escape plan: what should you do if yellow-legged hornets attack?
1. Plan an escape route in advance
Before starting work, identify where you can escape safely. Make sure the route is clear of tools, machinery and other obstacles.
2. Agree on a plan with colleagues
Decide how to warn each other and where to meet in the event of an attack. Working in a tree or from a mobile elevating work platform? Make sure you know how to descend quickly and safely.
3. Stop work immediately if attacked
Stop what you are doing and move away from the nest as quickly as possible. Do not swat at the hornets or attempt to remove the nest.
4. Escape to a safe location
Run away from the nest and, if possible, take shelter inside a building or enclosed vehicle. Do not stop to collect your tools.
5. Check for stings and injuries
Check whether colleagues have been stung. Call 112 if someone experiences breathing difficulties, swelling of the tongue or throat, fainting or other signs of a severe allergic reaction. Seek immediate medical attention for eye injuries.
6. Do not return without checking
Secure the area and inform the client or site manager. Have the nest assessed by a specialist before work resumes.
7. Clean clothing and equipment
After an attack, alarm pheromones may remain on clothing and tools. Clean these before returning to work to prevent any remaining substances from triggering further attacks.
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A clear escape route can make all the difference during a hornet attack
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This article was previously published on 19 October 2026 on the website of Stad + Groen.
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