Be careful – the number of Asian Hornet Incidents recorded in the UK has increased significantly

Experts warn of Asian hornet threat after record 72 nests destroyed in 56 UK locations last year, urging public vigilance to report sightings and protect pollinators.

The authorities and specialists are requesting the population to be careful as the number of sightings of the Asian hornet in the UK last year was the highest possible. The National Bee Unit said it eliminated 72 nests found in 56 sites in the year 2023 and that a majority of them were in Kent.

The Asian hornet is not deemed a threat to human life but is very much a threat to honey bees and other pollinating insects. Continuous monitoring and destroying their nests before the hornets can reproduce and multiply is the most effective way to make sure they do not stay in Britain.

Dr. Emma Frost of Wildlife and Countryside Link added: ‘Recent flooding and warming temperatures have further raised the risk of rapid expansion of invasive species like the Asian hornet’. “These problem species have very negative effects on our native flora and fauna because they invade their habitats and fight them for survival resources”.

Since the first Asian hornet sighting in the UK in 2016, 56 Asian hornets have been captured in the UK in 2023. The first eight have already been recorded this year. The main front line is still the South East of England particularly Kent where recent finds have been made around places like Ash, Sandwich, Folkestone, etc.

The public is encouraged to download and utilize the Asian Hornet Watch application and report any potential occurrence of the Asian hornet. It is mostly black with an orange abdomen and yellow tarsi. Defra claims the hornets will only sting if their nests are at risk.

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Non-native species inflict billions of pounds of damage to the UK annually from harm and environmental damage. It's early reporting of their sightings is therefore very important to avoid their spread and for the safeguarding of the nation’s biodiversity and agriculture.