Hornets’ nests had to be removed at dawn by professionals who had to ensure the colony was not split to avoid more nests forming in other areas, a beekeeper warned.

Gżira residents are worried their locality is being infested by oriental hornets as reports of nests were on the increase in recent weeks.

Beekeeper Arnold Grech said that while removing the nests could help solve the problem, those doing so had to ensure they removed them at the right time of day because there could be the risk of splitting up the colony.

“A single colony could be made up of about 15,000 hornets. The best time to remove such nests is at dawn so that you would minimise the risk of spreading,” Mr Grech said.

The best time to remove the nests is at dawn so you minimise the risk of spreading

Oriental hornets were spotted in the balcony of a private residence in Cameron Street and in the square next to the health centre. The two nests in the square were removed during the day. Nothing could be done about the balcony because permission from the homeowner, who does not live there currently, was required.

The Health Ministry said that inspectors were on site yesterday and trying to contact the owner. Mayor Conrad Borg Manché said he was not aware of the situation and believed the reports were about bees, not hornets.

He said the council was working with the Health Ministry so that the issue would not escalate.

The ministry said no one was recently treated for stings at the Gżira health centre or Mater Dei. Hornets are only dangerous if they feel threatened, but if they attack they tend to do so en masse.

A hornet’s sting may require medical attention, especially if the victim suffers from allergies. One should avoid getting too close to hornets’ nests and catching or touching the species.