Asian hornet information

Not good news.. keep an eye open for emerging queens coming in to spring! Please notify any and all possible sightings.

A nest of invasive Asian hornets has been found for the first time in Wales. https://www.itv.com/news/wales/2026-01-20/warning-issued-after-first-asian-hornet-nest-found-in-wales

European and yellow-legged Asian hornet comparison. Europen hornet (native) - Left - Larger/mostly yellow abdomen yellow-legged Asian hornets (invasive non-native) - Right - Darker/smaller/yellow lower legs/orange band near rear of abdomen Both species seen here at a bait station - Video by Clive Browne Please report yellow-legged Asian hornets using the Asian Hornet Watch app European hornets are not a threat, cause minimal impacts and should be left alone

This video filmed on Jersey shows a European hornet (left) and two yellow-legged Asian hornets (right) European hornets are native yellow-legged Asian hornets are non native and a threat to UK ecology, economics and public health Please report any yellow-legged Asian hornets using the free Asian hornet watch app Video courtesy Clive Browne

⚠️ A warning has been issued over this creature as their numbers have skyrocketed in the UK - and it's not a bee or a wasp: https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/asian-hornets-sighted-uk-public-29289499

CHECK YOUR CAULIFLOWERS! 

In April 2018, an Asian Hornet emerged from a cauliflower while the person was preparing it for lunch.

It was reported to the National Bee Unit who traced the cauliflower revealed that it had been bought from a farmers’ market in Lancashire, but had been produced in France.

In April 2023, the National Bee Unit received a report of an Asian hornet discovered inside a cauliflower within a weekly vegetable delivery in Northumberland. The cauliflower was produced in France.

The NBU recently reminded beekeepers and the public to remain vigilant and monitor for Asian yellow-legged hornet activity until late November. Whilst nest activity will be declining it is important to locate as many nests as possible,
Falling leaves can reveal nest high in trees which have been previously hidden.

Photo courtesy Grace Madden

The NBU has today asked for widespread monitoring across England for Asian yellow-legged hornets until the end of October.

Wick or other bait stations are strongly recommended (see link below). Watching ivy, fallen fruit and apiaries can also be effective.

If seen report immediately with a photo using the Asian Hornet Watch app

https://www.nationalbeeunit.com/assets/PDFs/3_Resources_for_beekeepers/Fact_Sheets/Fact_01_Asian_Hornet_Monitoring.pdf

Photo courtesy of Grace Madden