Asian Hornet

Members of the public are being urged to report sightings of an unwelcome invader to the appropriate authorities.

The Asian Hornet was introduced into France in 2004 where it has spread rapidly. It is a highly aggressive predator of insects such as honeybees and other important pollinators. Since 2016 several sightings have been recorded in the UK each year, usually in the south of England and Channel Islands. There appears to have been a significant increase in sightings in 2023.

Suspected sightings of Asian hornets, a highly aggressive predator of native insects, should be reported to the Non-Native Species Secretariat (NNSS) online or via an app.

How to identify an Asian Hornet

Smaller than native hornets, Asian hornets can be identified by their orange faces, yellow tipped legs, velvety bodies, darker abdomens, and are active during the day, but never at night. They are not usually aggressive towards people unless they perceive a threat to their nest. European hornets have brown tipped legs, long yellow antennae, and a mainly yellow abdomen with an obvious `waist.’

The Non-Native Species Secretariat (NNSS) have produced an excellent ID factsheet (NNSS ID Fact Sheet) to help in the identification of Asian Hornets and distinguish them from native hornets and bees.

See also wasp and bee comparison.

Smaller than native hornets, Asian hornets can be identified by their orange faces, yellow tipped legs, velvety bodies, darker abdomens, and are active during the day, but never at night.  European hornets have brown tipped legs, long yellow antennae, and a mainly yellow abdomen with an obvious 'waist.’

What to do if you think you have seen an Asian Hornet

It is important to try to prevent the Asian Hornet becoming established in the UK. If you think you have seen an Asian Hornet you should report it, with a photo, if possible, to the NNSS. There is no need to contact Warwick District Council.

You can report sightings of this species:

• with the Asian Hornet Watch iPhone and Android recording app:
• online at: Non-native species alert
• by email: alertnonnative@ceh.ac.uk

More information and the latest about sightings can be found here Asian hornet: UK sightings - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

What to do if you have a hornet's nest on your property

It is important to take care not to approach or disturb a nest (Asian hornet nest ID sheet). Asian hornets are not generally aggressive towards people but an exception to this is when they perceive a threat to their nest.
Hornets often nest high in trees or buildings but may sometimes be found closer to the ground. If you have a hornet's nest on your property it is best not to disturb it, you should contact a trusted pest control company.
We recommended that you look for pest controllers that are part of a professional pest control organisation, such as the British Pest Control Association (BPCA) or National Pest Technicians Association (NPTA).

For more information on invasive non-native species, visit the NNSS website.