Yellow-Legged Hornet Attack: Man Dies in Belgium

What Happened in Belgium?

Eddy De Mulder, a 60-year-old from Belgium, died after a yellow-legged hornet attack at his stable last week. According to Flemish newspaper HLN, he fell into a coma following multiple stings and died a few days later.

On Thursday evening, De Mulder walked to his stable to give his pony hay. His nephew Guy De Mulder told HLN: "When he took the hay and shook it, the hornets suddenly flew toward him." The nest hung just above the stable.

"He was attacked and received several stings from the animals," Guy said. "He walked to his wife, took off his T-shirt and could just barely say he was attacked. His face was completely swollen." Eddy began to choke and then suffered cardiac arrest, his nephew added.

What Are Yellow-Legged Hornets?

The yellow-legged hornet (Vespa velutina), also known as the Asian hornet or Asian predatory wasp, is an invasive species native to Southeast Asia. It is smaller than the European hornet, with queens about 30 mm long, but its nests can house several thousand individuals and hang high in trees or buildings.

Unlike native hornets, yellow-legged hornet colonies defend their nests aggressively. They are also a serious threat to honeybee populations, which has made their spread across Europe a major ecological concern. This incident echoes warnings from experts about invasive hornet species in Europe and their impact on local ecosystems.

How Dangerous Is a Yellow-Legged Hornet Attack?

A single sting usually causes only local irritation, according to a Belgian hornet exterminator quoted by HLN. Applying ice or insect ointment can help relieve pain. However, when hornets attack in large numbers, the volume of venom can become life-threatening — even for people who are not allergic.

De Mulder was not allergic to wasp stings. "But the hornets attacked so massively that the amount of venom was probably too large," his nephew told VRT. After the attack, De Mulder's face was completely swollen, he began choking, and he went into cardiac arrest.

If you are stung and experience shortness of breath, swelling around the mouth, or dizziness, call emergency services immediately. These are signs of a severe allergic reaction. For multiple stings or stings to the face, neck, or throat, seek medical help even without known allergies.

What to Do If You Find a Hornet Nest

Do not attempt to remove a yellow-legged hornet nest yourself. Disturbing the nest can trigger a mass attack, as happened in this case. Experts recommend contacting a licensed pest control professional or local authorities.

Here are safety steps:

• Keep a safe distance of at least 5 metres from any nest
• Do not shake branches, hay, or objects near a suspected nest
• Warn neighbours and mark the area if on public land
• Call a professional hornet exterminator or emergency services

The spread of the Asian hornet has prompted new hornet nest removal guidelines in several European countries.

Impact and Public Safety Warnings

This fatal attack highlights the growing public health risk posed by invasive yellow-legged hornets in Belgium and neighbouring countries. While deaths are rare, multiple stings can overwhelm the body's defences, particularly in older adults or people with underlying health conditions.

Authorities and beekeeping organisations continue to monitor the species because of its impact on honeybee colonies and its aggressive behaviour near human activity. The incident serves as a reminder that hornet nests near homes, stables, or walking paths should be reported and professionally removed. Similar to recent hornet-related incidents in Europe, this case underscores the need for early detection and public awareness.

FAQ

What is a yellow-legged hornet?

A yellow-legged hornet (Vespa velutina), also called the Asian hornet, is an invasive hornet species from Southeast Asia that has spread across Europe. It is smaller than the native European hornet but builds large nests and defends them aggressively.

Can a yellow-legged hornet sting kill you?

Yes, in rare cases. A single sting is usually not fatal, but multiple stings can deliver enough venom to cause choking, cardiac arrest, or death — even without an allergy.

Where did the fatal hornet attack happen?

The attack happened in Belgium when a 60-year-old man was feeding his pony. The hornet nest hung above the stable, and the hornets attacked when he shook the hay.

What should you do if hornets attack you?

Move away quickly without swatting, seek shelter indoors, and call emergency services if you are stung multiple times or have symptoms like shortness of breath or facial swelling.

How do you safely remove a yellow-legged hornet nest?

Do not remove it yourself. Contact a licensed pest control professional or local authorities who have the right equipment and training.