The Asian Hornet, known for its aggressive predatory behavior, has become a major concern for honey bees and other pollinators in the UK. In 2023, the population of this harmful insect surged, with more sightings in the UK than the total of the past six years. An individual Asian Hornet can consume 30 to 50 honey bees daily. Additionally, their practice of hawking, or hovering near beehives, prevents bees from gathering essential nectar and pollen.
It is illegal to trap and release an alien species. This means it is illegal to trap and release an Asian Hornet.
Monitoring traps can be used in the spring or late summer especially around risk points such as ports or areas where nests have occurred previously.
It is encouraged to trap and kill Asian Hornets using monitoring traps to confirm identity and assess via NBU their origin.
Do not approach Asian Hornet nests. Asian Hornets are extremely defensive when the nest is approached.
As the leaves fall from the trees this autumn, yellow-legged Asian hornet nests that were hidden in foliage during the summer months could be exposed.
It is vital we find nests to aid efforts to prevent this invasive species from becoming established in the UK.
Please take a moment to LOOK UP next time you’re out and if you see something that resembles the images below, REPORT IT!
