Asian Wasp Nest Removed from Neimënster Abbey Using Crane

A large nest of Asian hornets (Vespa velutina) located in the bell tower of St. John’s Church at Neimënster Abbey in Luxembourg City was successfully removed on Friday morning, after more than a month of activity.

The operation began around 10 a.m., with a crane positioned next to the abbey to lift a specialist from the Nature and Forestry Administration up to the nest, which was situated 40 meters high in the church tower. The Grand Ducal Fire and Rescue Corps (CGDIS) had previously warned that the nest needed to be destroyed “as soon as possible” due to the potential danger posed by the invasive species.

After some technical delays, including a brief interruption caused by an unauthorized drone flying near the site, the removal began shortly before noon. The expert sprayed poison inside the nest, then waited for the treatment to take effect before the crane returned to extract it safely.

The entire operation was filmed by drones, one of which was reportedly considered disruptive by the intervention team.

Asian wasps typically build primary nests in spring, close to the ground, and later construct secondary nests during summer and autumn—often high up in trees or buildings, as seen at Neimënster Abbey.

The operation has now been completed successfully, eliminating the risk posed by the hornet colony in one of Luxembourg City’s most iconic landmarks.
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