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Environmentalists and beekeepers are ringing alarm bells after this “Unprecedented” increase in Asian hornet sightings in this summer.
The invasive species, which is native to south-east Asia, now poses a “significant threat” to Britain’s natives, experts have warned. bees
alone insects And nests are increasingly being recorded in the southern counties of England. Recent data shows that in the UK there were 429 credible sightings and 112 nests as of 11 September, reported by the National Bee Unit (NBU).
After this the public was urged to remain alert asian hornet found in northern ireland The first time, while two nests were found and destroyed in the Cork area earlier this summer.
Outside the UK, a American teacher And his teenage son was killed by a mob hundreds of horns Ziplining during the holidays laos,
It is believed that there were hundreds of these Asian giant hornet A source close to two US diplomats in Laos said the pair were attacked while they were trying to climb down from a tree. many times,
Here’s what you need to know about Asian hornets and what to do if you see one.
What is the Asian Hornet?
Also known as yellow-legged hornets, these insects have become a cause of concern for beekeepers in the UK as they prey on a wide variety of insects, including honey beesAreas with a high density of Asian hornet nests pose a threat to the surrounding area when it comes to insect diversity. They also pose a health risk to people who are allergic to hornet or wasp stings.
These hornets are much smaller than those found in Europe. While the European hornet is between 30 and 35 mm long, the Asian hornet is 25 mm long. Their abdomen is mostly black, except for the fourth abdominal segment, which has a yellow band. He also has yellow feet and an orange face.
Their nests are high in trees or man-made structures. As well as hunting honey bees and other insects, hornets eat fruits and flowers.
How did the Hornets reach the UK?
It is believed that Asian hornets first arrived in France accidentally in 2004 in a cargo of pottery from China. They have since spread rapidly throughout Europe and have since been observed in 15 different countries.
They were first seen in the UK in 2016 in the town of Tetbury, Gloucestershire. After an intensive search of 10 days, a nest was found and destroyed.
According to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Britain has since made a total of 147 confirmed sightings of the yellow-legged hornet (DEFRA), including a total of 110 nests that were destroyed.
DEFRA said that according to a report dated March 27, there had been only two confirmed sightings of the yellow-legged hornet in 2025.
What should I do if I see a hornet?
DEFRA has asked any member of the public who believes they have seen an Asian hornet to report to the UK Center for Ecology and Hydrology (UKCEAH). Using a form on the UKCEAH website, people can send photographs of the insect and the exact location of the sighting.
There is also an Asian Hornet Watch app, where people can report any “worrying sightings” to the government’s national bee unit.
The UK Non-Native Species Secretariat has warned people not to disturb active nests in case of injury.