Asian Hornet
(Vespa velutina)

How Beekeepers can Help

Continue to monitor

To date this year (2023), 66 nests have been located and destroyed in 50 locations, across 10 counties: Devon, Dorset, East Sussex, East Riding of Yorkshire, Essex, Greater London, Hampshire, Kent, North Yorkshire, and Surrey. The known distribution highlights that no area can become complacent regarding the threat of an Asian hornet incursion.

Analysis of nests this autumn has confirmed the presence of gynes and drones in some nests. Gynes have also been identified from lone samples. The NBU are skilled at tracking, locating, and destroying nests, but can only respond to sightings with sufficient evidence, such as a photograph or sample.

If you have not yet done so, please monitor insects in your local area now. Image 3 in the below blog shows the easiest way to monitor for hornets without damaging native insect populations: https://aphascience.blog.gov.uk/2021/09/08/asian-hornet-week-hunt-for-asian-hornets/, other simple monitoring solutions can be found on BeeBase: https://www.nationalbeeunit.com/assets/PDFs/3_Resources_for_beekeepers/Fact_Sheets/Fact_01_Asian_Hornet_Monitoring.pdf

If you’re already monitoring, thank you and please continue until at least the end of October

Monitor at home or near apiaries; wherever is most convenient: Asian hornets like ivy, fallen fruit, are attracted to solar wax melters and apiaries
If you’re unsure of the identity of an insect, please use the ID sheet

Please report any suspect sightings

with your smart phone or tablet, by using the ‘Asian hornet Watch’ app:

Android – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uk.ac.ceh.hornets&hl=en_GB

iPhone - https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/asian-hornet-watch/id1161238813

online at: http://www.brc.ac.uk/risc/alert.php?species=asian_hornet
by email to: alertnonnative@ceh.ac.uk Please include as much information as possible in your email; where you saw the sighting, your name and contact details and if possible an image.
or contact our local Seasonal Bee Inspector - Shane Jones - Shane.Jones@apha.gov.uk (07827552312).

The National Bee Unit does not promote the use of kill traps, as this can damage native populations of insects, however, selective traps are now available commercially. For further information on Asian hornet, please see: https://www.nationalbeeunit.com/diseases-and-pests/asian-hornet

Please note that during outbreaks the NBU receives a high number of calls and emails. To reduce processing time, it is helpful if you report sightings via the app or online form.