Firefighters beside busy bee cosmetics and wine trick wasp

Recently, there have been multiple incidents involving dangerous bee stings in Henan province. The local fire department has reported over 524 "hornet-related" calls since the start of this year, with a peak season typically occurring between July and September. These aggressive insects have become a growing concern for residents and firefighters alike. Why are these wasps, which traditionally inhabit forests, now appearing in urban areas filled with concrete? And how can people safely deal with nests located under rooftops or in high places?

Hornet Removal Has Become a Routine Task for Firefighters

On June 28th, a construction worker in Suiyang County was painting the 12th floor of a building when he was suddenly attacked by a swarm of bees. Firefighters quickly arrived on the scene to remove the hive. According to data from the provincial fire brigade, more than 524 such incidents have been recorded this year, averaging around three per day. However, the peak season is still ahead—last year, the number of hornet-related alarms reached 172 in July alone, with even higher numbers in August and September.

Interestingly, more hornet nests are being found in urban areas compared to rural regions. Firefighters believe this is due to the heightened awareness of city dwellers, who are more likely to report an infestation, as well as the wasps' increasing preference for urban environments.

Dealing With Hornets Is a Labor-Intensive Task

According to Ma Xinfeng, a squadron leader from Zhengzhou's Chengdong Road Fire Station, removing hornet nests is time-consuming and resource-heavy. This summer, his team has handled dozens of cases, many of which were located under roofs or in trees. In some areas like Gongyi, they would handle four or five nests daily during peak seasons. “Every call requires a full response—multiple personnel, equipment, and a fire truck,” Ma explained. “It’s very demanding, but we always respond promptly.”

Why Are Hornets Moving Into Cities?

Experts suggest that the increase in urban hornet activity is linked to improved green spaces. As Professor Luo Meihao from Henan Agricultural University explains, “Wasps play an important role in controlling pests. When cities have more greenery, pest populations rise, which in turn attracts more wasps.” Additionally, their attraction to sweet substances—such as sugary drinks and food—makes cities more appealing to them.

Although wasps are generally not aggressive unless provoked, they will defend their nests if threatened. Experts recommend that if a hive is located in a place where people frequently pass, it should be removed to prevent accidental encounters. If left undisturbed, however, they usually won’t pose a threat.

Stay Safe: Avoid Attracting Wasps

The Luoyang Fire Department warns that summer is the busiest time for wasp activity. Nests are often hidden in hard-to-reach places like rooftops, eaves, and trees. To avoid being stung, people should avoid approaching any suspicious nests. It is strongly advised not to attempt removal without proper protection—call the fire department immediately at 119.

Additionally, many cosmetics and perfumes contain scents that mimic flowers, making them attractive to bees. Alcohol and sugary foods also draw them in. So, staying away from these items during peak season can help reduce the risk of an encounter.