Asian Hornets in the UK: What You Need to Know (And What to Do If You Spot One!)

🐝 So, What’s the Deal with Asian Hornets?

There’s a growing concern flying under the radar – the Asian hornet. This invasive insect isn’t just another summertime nuisance; it poses a real threat to our local ecosystems, especially honeybees, and it’s starting to make its presence well known across the UK.

These stingers are not your average wasp. They’re invasive, aggressive and if left unchecked, they can cause serious problems to local ecosystems. So, let’s break it down – what they look like, why they matter, and what you should do if you see one.

The Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) is a non-native species that first made an appearance in the UK in 2016. They originally came over from Asia and have been causing mayhem in mainland Europe for years.

The big issue? They absolutely love snacking on honeybees – and we don’t need to tell you how important bees are. No bees = no pollination = no strawberries, apples, or gin & tonics with fresh mint. Nightmare.

🔍 How to Spot an Asian Hornet

Spotting one isn’t always easy, especially since they can be mistaken for European hornets or big wasps. But here’s what to look out for:

• Size: Around 2–3 cm long – slightly smaller than the European hornet, but still chunky.

• Colour: Mainly black body with a distinctive orange stripe on the bottom section of the abdomen.

• Legs: Yellow legs – like they’ve dipped them in high-vis paint.

Image Courtesy of The British Beekeepers Association

They often hover near beehives, picking off bees and reports show they can eat up to 50 honeybees a day!

🛑 Important: Do NOT go poking around nests. These hornets get very defensive, especially if their nest is disturbed. Keep your distance and read on for what to do next.

🧭 Where Are They Found?

They’re spreading slowly, but sightings are on the rise – especially in southern parts of England. The British Beekeepers Association (BBKA) is keeping a close eye on them and needs everyone’s help to report any sightings.

📸 What to Do If You Spot One

1. Stay Calm – don’t try to swat it. You’ll lose.

2. Snap a Photo – if you can safely get a pic, it helps massively with identification.

3. Report It ASAP – The Public are being asked to report sightings

   • Use the Asian Hornet Watch app (free on iOS/Android)

   • Or go online to the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology and report your sighting.

   • The BBKA website also has loads of info and links to report sightings. https://www.bbka.org.uk/identify-report-asian-hornet

     
     

🛠 What Happens Next?

Once a sighting is confirmed, specialist teams are sent out to track and remove the nest. Time is of the essence – stopping the spread early is crucial.

If you're unsure whether it's an Asian hornet or just a beefy wasp with attitude, call in pest control pros (ahem – that’s us!). We can help identify and assess the risk without you needing to get up close and personal.

💬 Final Thoughts

Asian hornets are more than just a pest – they’re a real threat to UK wildlife and biodiversity. Knowing how to spot them and what to do could make a big difference. Keep your eyes peeled, support your local beekeepers, and if you’re in doubt, give us a shout.