The Asian hornet continues to make news headlines, and you might be wondering why this is when you spot one. While it’s always important to raise awareness on these pests, the tabloid and media reports of an impending doom are somewhat exaggerated and unhelpful.
That said, the Asian hornet does pose a potential threat to our ecosystem. Asian hornets are a non-native species to the UK, who has been spotted on our shores. With the most recent sighting in March 2024. The invasive hornet feeds on native bees and wasps, which damages biodiversity.
These yellow legged hornets are native to South East Asia, but have made their way further afield and were confirmed for the first time in the South West of France in 2004. It is believed the hornets were imported (accidentally) in a consignment of pottery items from East Asia and they quickly spread and established themselves in many regions of France.
The Asian hornets did not stop their tour in France and continued to spread to other European countries. As of December 2022, the hornets have made themselves at home in Spain, Belgium, Netherlands, Portugal, Italy, Switzerland, Germany and Jersey. Fortunately, they have yet to fully settle in the UK, but they do have the means to wreak havoc.
Sightings in the UK
Their nests have been found in several areas in the UK, including East Sussex, Kent, Devon, and Dorset. These types of hornets are most likely to be found in Southern parts of England.
The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs has been tracking A hornet sightings in the UK since 2016, when an Asian hornet was discovered at Tetbury in Gloucestershire. After 10 days of intensive searching, the nest was found and later destroyed. In subsequent years there have been further sightings with action taken to find and destroy nests.
In January 2023, genetic analysis showed that there is no evidence for an established population of Asian hornets in the UK, and all hornets found have been likely to be from the European population rather than a new incursion from Asia.
As mentioned above, there has been one confirmed sighting of this hornet this year. Since 2016, there have been a total of 102 confirmed sightings of these hornet pests. Often these sightings are of a singular hornet. This figure includes a total of 85 nests, all of which were destroyed.
For detailed and up to date information around confirmed sightings, you can visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/asian-hornet-uk-sightings
How to identify an Asian Hornet
Typically active mainly between April and November (peak August/September) and are inactive over the winter.
Body
Smaller than our native European hornets. When viewed from above they have a dark thorax and a primarily dark abdomen, with an orange or yellow fourth segment on the body. Our native European hornets, however, have thick yellow bands across their whole abdomen and a red brown thorax.
Legs
An immediately identifiable feature are their legs, which may appear as if they’ve been dipped in yellow paint. In comparison, the European hornets have brown legs.
Size
It’s possible to separate the two species based on their size. The European hornets are larger with workers measuring 25mm and the queens often reaching 35mm. Asian hornets workers measure between 20-24mm, with the queens reaching 30mm.
Distinctive buzz
When flying they emit a deep buzzing sound.
What to do if you spot an Asian Hornet and can you treat it ?
At the current time, pest control technicians are not authorised to undertake any treatments of Asian hornets or their nests, unless we are instructed to do so by the appropriate authority. By following the correct procedures, authorities such as the National Bee Unit can ensure that the nest is correctly removed and analysed in a lab for genetic testing, as this can show if populations have been established in the UK.
If you encounter an Asian hornet or suspect its presence, it’s crucial to report it promptly. Here are ways to report sightings:
- Asian Hornet Watch App: Use the Asian hornet watch app, available for both Android and iOS devices. Snap a photo and report the sighting via the app.
- Email: Send photos and videos to alertnonnative@ceh.ac.uk, including full location details.
- Online Form: Access the online reporting form provided by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).
Remember, reporting sightings can help experts take swift action to eradicate Asian hornets and protect local and national ecosystems.
If you would like to know more about the Asian hornet or any other invasive species, the NNSS website provides a great deal of information about the wide ranging work that is being done to tackle invasive species and tools to facilitate those working in this area.
What does this mean for us in North London?
Well, just to give you some reassurance, we have yet to have a confirmed sighting in North London. The closest confirmed sighting was in East London and that was in September 2023, when an Asian hornet nest was identified and destroyed. So if you see something buzzing in your garden, the chances are slim that it is in fact an Asian hornet, and if you are unsure, do call us at Sparta Pest Control and we will be happy to advise.
