Asian Hornet:

Asian Hornet

Join the Fight against this destructive invasive species

  • Beekeepers are calling on the public to help spot and report Asian Hornet sightings
  •  The destructive insect poses the greatest threat to our native honey bees in a generation
  • Experts warns there could be catastrophic consequences for the UK’s wider ecology if the insects are allowed to become established here 
  • Asian Hornets can become aggressive when defending nests, posing a risk to public health
  •  More nests were discovered in 2023 than in the previous six years combined
  • The cost to the economy in France, where Asian Hornets have become established, is estimated to be in excess of £26 million ever year

Local members of the British Beekeepers’ Association (BBKA) are calling on the public to be vigilant and look out for Asian Hornets and nests. 

Asian Hornets are an incredibly destructive invasive species that specialise in preying on honeybee hives – one Asian Hornet alone can kill 30-60 honeybees per day. First discovered in the UK in 2016, the insect has travelled to our shores from northern Europe, where there are now over half a million nests annually in France alone.

By 2022, just 16 Asian Hornet nests had been discovered in this country. But in 2023, this increased dramatically to 72 nests in 56 different locations, with Kent and the South East most predominantly affected. But there have been sightings in many other locations, including as far north as Scotland, and a credible sighting already reported in January this year, sparking fears the non-native insect may become established in the UK. 

Experts are keen to point out that this is not just a problem for beekeepers, but poses a significant risk to public health. Asian Hornets are aggressively defensive of their nests, which are often built in hedgerows and brambles, meaning disturbances by unsuspecting individuals could have dangerous consequences. 

How to Identify the Asian Hornet

An Asian Hornet can be identified by its very distinct markings – they’re a similar size to a European Hornet, which is two or three times the size of a common wasp, and are black with distinct yellow lower leg. 

Identifying the Asian Hornet – supplied by the Asian Hornet Action Team; compares the Asian Hornet with the European Hornet and large wasp species