Increased Surveillance Needed for Asian Hornet Sightings
Professor Nicola Spence, the UK’s Chief Plant Health Officer, has issued a call to UK beekeepers and the public to remain vigilant for sightings of the Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) as we enter the peak summer season.
Identifying the Asian Hornet
The Asian hornet is distinguishable by its smaller size compared to native hornets, a dark body, a wide orange stripe on the fourth abdomen section, and yellow leg ends. While it poses no greater risk to human health than native wasps and hornets, it presents a significant threat to honey bees and other insect pollinators. Any sightings should be reported using the Asian Hornet Watch App.
Record Number of Sightings in 2023
In 2023, a record number of Asian hornet sightings were reported in the UK. The Animal and Plant Health Agency’s National Bee Unit responded to all credible sightings, locating and destroying 72 nests in 56 locations, with the majority in Kent. The National Bee Unit remains ready to respond to further sightings quickly and effectively.
Trapping and Eradication Efforts
To combat the spread of the Asian hornet, the National Bee Unit has implemented trapping in high-risk areas where queens may have overwintered. These traps, designed to allow non-target invertebrates to escape, have been deployed in Kent, East Sussex, Devon, and North Yorkshire. Early trapping is crucial for surveillance and eradication efforts.
Public Assistance and Reporting
Professor Spence emphasized the importance of public vigilance and prompt reporting of any Asian hornet sightings. Reports can be made via the Asian Hornet Watch app, online report form, or by emailing alertnonnative@ceh.ac.uk with a photograph if possible.
Safety Precautions
The public is advised not to approach or disturb Asian hornet nests, as the hornets can become aggressive if they feel their nest is threatened.
Raising Awareness
This announcement coincides with the Chelsea Flower Show, where Defra is hosting an interactive exhibit to raise awareness of the Asian hornet among gardeners and the horticultural industry.
Additional Resources
For more information on the Asian hornet, including identification guides, visit the BeeBase website or the Great Britain Non-native Species Secretariat’s site. Photographs of the Asian hornet can be found on Defra’s Flickr account.
About the Asian Hornet
The Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) should not be confused with the Asian giant hornet (Vespa mandarinia), which has been found in North America.
By remaining vigilant and reporting sightings promptly, the public can help protect the UK's honey bees and insect pollinators from this invasive species.
