What is the Asian Hornet?
The Yellow-legged Asian Hornet is a highly voracious predator of honeybees as well as a number of other insects, and has the potential to cause extensive ecological damage if allowed to become established in the UK. First introduced to France in 2004 it has since spread exponentially, becoming established in a number of European countries. Discovered in the UK in 2016, there have been a low number of incursions each year, until 2023, when there was a significant increase in sightings and nests reported, the vast majority in Kent and southern counties, including Hampshire.
What does the Local Resilience Forum do to prepare?
The Local Resilience Forum liaises closely with members of the Animal and Plant Agency, pest controllers, tree climbers and volunteer groups of beekeepers who are trained in the detection and eradication of Asian Hornet nests.
In the event of nests that pose a direct risk to the public, the emergency services are engaged in traffic and pedestrian control or diversion and the provision of medical attention if required.
Associated risks
- The Asian hornet is highly destructive to honeybee colonies – with honeybees and wasps making up nearly 60% of its diet.
- The hornets capture foraging bees coming back to their hives and may even enter weak hives to prey on brood.
- One colony can consume over 11kg of insects in a year.
- Asian hornets will prey on a number of other insects, some of which are pollinators, including wasps and hoverflies, as well as spiders.
- They are thought to be responsible for the loss of 65% of bee colonies in some affected areas.
- Bees contribute around £600 million to the UK economy annually with honeybee hives estimated to be worth £150 million in honey and pollination provision.
- It is estimated that nest destruction in France cost €23 million between 2006 and 2015.
- Establishment of the Asian hornet in the UK could trigger overall losses of £30-£40 million per year.
- Areas such as Hampshire and the IoW which rely heavily on bee pollination, and other businesses could be adversely affected by the Asian hornets establishing in the region.
- Asian hornets are extremely aggressive if they perceive a threat to their nest.
- Embryo and Primary nests can be found in sheltered places such as outbuildings, with secondary nests high up in trees, or low to the ground in hedgerows and brambles. Nests are easily concealed by vegetation and will pose a danger to those who disturb them.
- They deliver very painful stings that can cause a serious reaction in people who suffer from allergies, have heart or kidney complaints, the elderly and children.
How can you prepare?
1. Learn to recognize the Asian Hornet
The adult insect is about 25mm in length, mainly black with yellow legs and a yellow or orange band on its abdomen.
2. Learn to recognize the Asian Hornet nests
Maintain a sharp lookout for individual Asian Hornets and their nests.
3. Report any sightings of Asian Hornets
The Asian Hornet is a reportable pest.
If you see a suspicious-looking insect or nest, take a photo using the Asian Hornet Watch App. This will send a report to the National Bee Unit at the Animal and Plant Agency.
Alternatively take a photo and report it to the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, using the following link:
UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology
Reports trigger an investigation and surveillance by Inspectors from the National Bee Unit, supported by members of local volunteer Asian Hornet Action Teams.
Put out selective monitoring traps that catch Asian Hornets but release other non-target species. There are a number of commercial models available but are easy to make at home.
Helpful links and resources
UK Government Guidance
This link has a list of sightings of the yellow-legged hornet (Vespa velutina) in the UK which have been confirmed in a laboratory.
The British Beekeepers Association
This link has information on the Asian Hornet Vespa Velutina
