A 90-year-old woman was hospitalized on Monday after being stung six times by a swarm of invasive Asian hornets at her home in Scherpenheuvel-Zichem.
The incident occurred when the elderly resident rolled up her sun awning, which unknowingly housed an agitated hornet nest inside its wooden frame.
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Emergency responders transported the victim to the hospital, where she received immediate medical treatment for stings located on her neck, hands, and face.
"The woman was immediately rushed to the emergency department," said Torbeyns, the responding hornet exterminator. "Adrenaline was administered there.
At her age, this could have turned out very differently."
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A separate hornet attack was also reported in nearby Tielt-Winge, where another woman was stung in the face while moving a wooden barrel, prompting further intervention from pest control services.
"Last year around this time it was even busier," said Torbeyns.
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"Due to the cold and wet weather at the beginning of this month, the nests suffered a delay.
But because of the heatwave, we are now seeing exponential growth."
The rapid expansion of the insect population has prompted officials to issue warnings for residents to remain highly vigilant when handling outdoor items.
"We have already removed them from manhole covers, playhouses, and mailboxes," said Torbeyns. "And if it feels threatened, the whole nest springs into action.
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So vigilance is advised."
