Asian Hornet - have you seen this insect?

Published: 25 February 2025

The National Beekeepers' Association have a message they want parish and town councils to share with their residents:

As you may already be aware, yellow-legged hornets are voracious predators of honey bees and other vital pollinators, placing a further strain on our already fragile ecosystem. This could have grave implications for our native wildlife, potentially impacting our farming industry and food chain.

Furthermore, these insects also react aggressively if they perceive a threat to their nest, which can often be built low to the ground and in places where they could be easily disturbed. Therefore it is of vital importance that members of the public, as well as those working in outdoor industries, know how to correctly identify and report yellow-legged hornets, and how to keep themselves safe in the event of a potential nest discovery.

Numbers have been increasing steadily, particularly in areas in the south east and along the south coast, since their introduction into the UK back in 2016 with a huge jump in sightings and nests in 2023.

Dorset is particularly vulnerable to yellow-legged hornet incursions and establishment, due to its rural nature, coastline and proximity to northern Europe, where the insects are now prolific. The aggressive nature of the hornets, their impact on communities, and the financial and practical challenges of having to trace and destroy nests once the species is established, are now well documented in those areas of Europe where spread has occurred. Awareness and action now could help prevent a much bigger problem further down the line. Click on link: Have you seen this insect?