South West harmful hornet alert

Deadly Asian hornet nests discovered in the UK

The Asian Hornet is an invasive species that has the potential to devastate our native honeybees and other pollinators.

The Asian hornet (Vespa velutina nigrithorax) is an invasive species that has the potential to devastate our native honeybees and other pollinators. The hornet is native to Southeast Asia but has been spreading rapidly across Europe in recent years. It was first detected in the UK in 2016 and has since been found in several counties in the South West of England.

The Asian hornet is a large insect, about the same size as a honeybee. It has a black body with yellow markings and a distinctive black tip to its abdomen. The hornet is a predator and feeds on a variety of insects, including honeybees. It is also known to attack people, and its sting can be very painful.

The Asian hornet poses a serious threat to our native honeybees. Honeybees are essential pollinators for many of our crops and wild plants. If the Asian hornet becomes established in the UK, it could have a devastating impact on our food production and biodiversity.

What to do if you see an Asian hornet

If you see an Asian hornet, it is important to report it to the authorities as soon as possible. You can do this by calling the Non-native Species Secretariat on 01403 270300 or emailing alertnonnative@ceh.ac.uk.

You should not attempt to kill or remove the hornet yourself. Asian hornets are aggressive insects and can sting multiple times. If you are stung, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

How to prevent the spread of Asian hornets

There are several things that can be done to help prevent the spread of Asian hornets.

• Be vigilant for Asian hornets and report any sightings to the authorities.
• Avoid disturbing Asian hornet nests.
• Do not import Asian hornet queens or workers into the UK.
• Support research into the Asian hornet and its control.