“Called a compressed air marker, it is 'specific equipment for inoculating the nests with a specific biocide projectile' to combat this invasive species. It should be noted that the methodology used is capable of destroying the [Asian] velutina wasp, but is considered 'environmentally friendly', without chemicals harmful to ecosystems", says the municipality, in a statement.

The chamber emphasises that “this new method does not require the removal of the nests”, thus allowing them to be able to “overcome the difficulties experienced by technicians in situations where the nests were very high”.

“Since the beginning of 2022, the municipality of Vieira do Minho has registered about 300 notifications of Asian wasp nests, almost all of which have been destroyed. Since the beginning of the fight against this invasive species, the municipality of Vieira do Minho has been incinerating these nests, but with the acquisition of this equipment, the fight against the velutina wasp will become more effective”.

The Vieira do Minho City Council also asks citizens to, “if they find or see” this type of nests, “in no case should they try to destroy it on their own initiative”, but first contact the competent authorities, Municipal Civil Protection Service, Volunteer Firefighters or GNR.