This drop regarding production is not affecting the whole country, since the wasp is "more installed" in the North than in the South, he warned.

In addition to the decrease in production, this species causes more damage to beekeepers, concerning the increase in expenses for the maintenance of apiaries.

Due to the presence of the wasp, beekeepers have to make more trips between home and apiaries, which are generally in a remote area, to keep assisting the bees.

The presence of the Asian wasp also forced to make changes in beehive production, which normally happens in the spring and has now been anticipated.

"This was the time [spring] when we renewed the swarms, that is, we produced other hives, but we had to make changes and anticipate this process outside the time of the Asian wasp incidence," explained João Valente, president of AANFP.

Now, the swarms are renewed "out of season", which makes the beekeepers' work more difficult because the weather is colder and warmer structures have to be designed.

Currently, the city councils act when they see a nest, but by that time "it is too late", said João Valente.

The velutina wasp is an Asian species that has a destructive action on honey bee hives and can be a danger to public health.