The Maltese government has announced a €1 million national action plan to tackle the growing Oriental hornet population, which has been wreaking havoc on local bee colonies and threatening honey production.The Ministry for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Supply confirmed that seven measures will be introduced to control the species, support struggling beekeepers and address growing safety concerns in residential and public areas.Although the Oriental hornet has been present in Malta for several years, its population has surged dramatically over the past season, placing unprecedented pressure on the country’s beekeeping sector.According to the government, the increase has contributed to substantial losses among bee colonies and a decline in honey production, while also raising concerns about public safety.One of the key measures will see commercial beekeepers who suffered losses during 2026 receive financial support for each affected colony, helping compensate for reduced honey production.The government will also introduce a scheme to help beekeepers establish new colonies following the losses they have experienced.However, a proportion of these new colonies will have to consist of the native Maltese honeybee, Apis mellifera ruttneri, as part of efforts to protect the species and preserve Malta’s genetic heritage.Meanwhile, breeding programmes for the Maltese honeybee will be strengthened to increase the production of locally bred queen bees and reduce dependence on imported queens.The plan also includes the introduction of a national hotline through which members of the public will be able to report Oriental hornet nests.A coordinated nest eradication programme will operate alongside the reporting system, with particular attention given to February and March, when queen hornets begin establishing new colonies.Authorities will also consider using tracking technology to locate nests more efficiently, subject to testing.Research will form another part of the strategy, with the government planning to support collaborations between scientific institutions and beekeeping organisations to develop and test trapping systems, monitoring tools and nest-tracking methods.International experts will also be involved in these efforts.Beyond direct intervention, a nationwide awareness campaign will encourage residents to take practical steps to reduce conditions that attract Oriental hornets.These will include better waste management, removing food scraps and ensuring animal feed is properly managed in public spaces.The campaign will also explain how residents can report nests and how the removal programme will operate.A national forum bringing together public authorities, scientists, beekeepers and other stakeholders will also be established to coordinate the response and monitor progress.The government estimates that the seven measures will require an investment of approximately €1 million.It said implementation will begin immediately and continue for as long as necessary to bring the Oriental hornet population under effective control.The initiative comes as Malta’s beekeeping sector faces mounting pressure from the species, with the government seeking to protect both local honey production and the long-term survival of the Maltese honeybee.What do you make of this?•