TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – New Taipei plans to send drones to prevent attacks by dangerous Asian hornets, reports said Friday (Sept. 20).
The city has been the scene of frequent hornet attacks against hikers, sometimes resulting in deaths. Over the past three years, reports of hornet nests in the area surged from 5,500 cases to 8,000 cases per year, according to CNA.
New Taipei’s Animal Protection Department said National Taiwan University (NTU) helped draw up a map of hornet hotspots to alert hikers and residents about the most dangerous locations. The website was based on observation work conducted during the past six years.
In addition, New Taipei has set up a drone team to seek out and seal off nests. The unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can approach hornet nests in difficult locations and cover them with a thin transparent plastic film, preventing the insects from flying out.
The city has purchased five drones and recruited 10 operators to use on hornet nests starting next month. The aim is to neutralize 100 nests by the end of the year that pose risks to the public.
Research showed the highest hornet concentrations in New Taipei are in Xindian, Tamsui, and Xizhi. Hikers are advised to be careful, especially during the autumn months, and to avoid wearing bright clothes and disposing of food along forest paths.
