Asian hornet: UK sightings in 2018
28 Sep 2018 02:01 PM
The latest updates on Asian hornet sightings in the UK in 2018.
The Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) is a species of hornet which is not native to the UK. It is smaller than our native hornet and poses no greater risk to human health than other hornets or bees.
However, they do pose a risk to honey bees and pollinating insects. This is why we are keen to stop this insect establishing in the UK, and why you should report suspected sightings.
When a sighting is confirmed, experts from the National Bee Unit (NBU) and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) will work quickly to find and destroy any active nests in the area.
Current situation
To date, there have been nine confirmed sightings of the Asian hornet in England and five nests have been destroyed.
Seven of these sightings occurred in 2018; an individual hornet in Lancashire (April) and Hull , three in Cornwall and two in Hampshire (all September).
It is crucial you report any possible sightings so our experts can take quick and effective action to eradicate Asian hornets.
Nicola Spence, Chief Plant Health Officer, said:
By ensuring we are alerted to possible sightings as early as possible, we can take swift and effective action to stamp out the threat posed by Asian hornets.
While the Asian hornet poses no greater risk to human health than a bee, we recognise the damage they can cause to honey bee colonies and other beneficial insects.
Please continue to look out for any Asian hornets and if you think you’ve spotted one, report your sighting through the Asian hornet app or online.
How to spot an Asian hornet
Asian hornets:
- have a dark brown or black velvety body
- have a yellow or orange band on fourth segment of abdomen
- have yellow tipped legs
- are smaller than the native European hornet
- are not active at night
Guidance on how to identify an Asian hornet.
How to report an Asian hornet
If you suspect you have seen an Asian hornet you should report this using the ‘Asian Hornet Watch’ app:
You can also report sightings by email: alertnonnative@ceh.ac.uk. Please include information on location, date and number of Asian hornets you have seen. Please also include a photo if you can to help our experts identify the insect.
If you find a nest, don’t try to remove it yourself – it can be dangerous and should only be done by experts.
What to do if you keep bees
If you keep bees, you should:
Read our guidance on the Asian Hornet
Monitor for its arrival
Use monitoring traps in your apiaries. Watch our video on how to make a monitoring trap:
Ensure your BeeBase records are up to date with apiary locations
We encourage you to update your apiary records online and record if you have set Asian Hornet traps.
Report any suspect sightings
If you suspect you have seen an Asian hornet you should report this using the iPhone and Android app ‘Asian Hornet Watch’ or by emailing alertnonnative@ceh.ac.uk.
Visiting countries where Asian hornet is widespread
The Asian hornet is native to China but arrived in Europe in 2004 and is now widespread in parts of France, Spain, the Channel Islands and Portugal.
It presents no greater risk to human health than a bee so there is no need for you to take extra precautions in these countries.
However, there have been cases where Asian hornets have been found in bags or camping equipment of travellers returning from those countries, particularly in spring and late autumn.
Before returning to the UK you should check your luggage, especially if it’s been kept outside during your trip. If you do spot an Asian hornet on your return to the UK you should report it with the dates and places you went on holiday, and ideally a photo of the insect.
Recent confirmed sightings and announcements
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