The government needs to introduce a comprehensive national plan to address the impact of Oriental hornets on local honeybee colonies, the political party Momentum said on Sunday.

 Maltese beekeepers have reported substantial losses following a surge in Oriental hornet attacks during the past summer despite investing in traps and other protective measures. 

While the government has introduced awareness initiatives, training and trapping measures, recent losses demonstrate the need for a stronger, more coordinated and sustained response, the party said. The government itself has acknowledged that trapping alone is insufficient and that a wider approach is needed to address hornet populations in urban and residential areas.

Momentum proposed establishing a dedicated task force, working with researchers, beekeepers, pest controllers and local councils to investigate reports, locate nests and coordinate their safe removal. A central reporting system should record the sighting of hornets, the location of nests, control measures and outcomes, allowing authorities to identify high-risk areas and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions, it said.

“Preparations must begin now for an early-spring programme to monitor and manage emerging hornet queens through targeted trapping and other scientifically supported measures. The task force should oversee the programme, ensuring clear responsibilities, adequate funding, measurable targets and the protection of other pollinators,” Momentum said.

It added that public outreach should complement these efforts by educating residents on how to safely identify and report hornets and their nests, and by encouraging responsible waste management and the use of secure bins to reduce food sources that attract Oriental hornets.

“The government should also compensate beekeepers for their losses and help them rebuild their colonies. Recovery efforts should include producing local honeybee queens and replacement colonies from surviving Maltese honeybee stocks. Surviving colonies should be assessed for health, resilience and genetic suitability. Breeding programmes should maintain genetic diversity and help conserve the native Maltese honeybee,” the party continued.

Momentum also called for dedicated, sustained funding for agricultural research, including research into invasive pests, pollinator conservation and the resilience of local honeybee populations. It said that Malta should make better use of relevant EU research and agricultural funding opportunities and strengthen collaboration with researchers and institutions in neighbouring Mediterranean countries. Existing research programmes provide a starting point, but a broader, long-term commitment is needed to address agricultural challenges beyond individual funding calls.

Dr Alastair Farrugia, a member of Momentum executive, said: “Malta needs an immediate response in preparation for the coming spring season and a sustained commitment to protecting its native honeybee. Professional beekeepers must not be treated as though they are hobbyists. Their businesses support livelihoods and contribute to local agriculture, food production and pollination.”