Asian Hornet Vespa Velutina
DANGER! This hornet stings. Do not disturb an active nest. Seek advice using the details below.
Please see the Information below along with a video from the BBC News
Please see the letter from Lord Benyon thanking the BBKA and Asian Hornet Team - February 2022
An invasive non-native hornet originally from Asia. Suspected records should be reported immediately. A highly aggressive predator of native insects, posing a significant threat to honey bees and other pollinators. Accidentally introduced to France in 2004 where it spread rapidly. A number of sightings have been recorded in the UK since 2016.
Distinctive hornet, smaller than our native species. A key feature is an almost entirely dark abdomen, except for the 4th segment which is yellow. Bright yellow tips to legs (native hornet more orange) and entirely brown or black thorax (native hornet more orange).
DEFRA is recommending monitoring traps in all areas of the Country even where there is no Asian hornet incursion known of at present.
Once an Asian Hornet has been positively identified in an area then kill traps should be used.
This is in the expectation that if Asian Hornets are in the area then they will be trapped and identified.
The by-catch in these traps will be small compared to the damage caused by the Asian Hornets if the nests are not found.
Asian Hornets are active between April through to November, with a peak in July through to the end of September but, of course, may be seen at any time.
Click here to download the Asian Hornet Identification Asian Hornet Identification sheet.
Each BBKA branch or Area Association is being asked to set up a team that can assist with local requests for help in identifying Asian Hornets, known as AHT (Asian Hornet Teams). Please see BBKA Asian Hornet Team Map for contact details.
Alternatively, if you have an iPhone or Android, download the free recording app Asian Hornet Watch
Further information can be found at: www.nonnativespecies.org, http://www.nonnativespecies.org/alerts/index.cfm?id=4, www.nature.com and a scientific report on the emerging threat to apiculture.
If possible any suspected Asian Hornets should be photographed, captured if safe to do so and recorded on the Asian Hornet Watch app and local AHAT Team should be contacted.
Please see letter from Lord Benyon thanking the BBKA and Asian Hornet Team February 2022
Here is a good article regarding the Asian Hornet
Are bumblebees learning to fight back?
Often people fear the Hornet even more than they do wasps, probably due to its size. They are also branded as being an aggressive species with a dangerous and very painful sting.
Hornets build communal nests by chewing wood to make a papery pulp. Each nest has one queen, who lays eggs and is attended by workers.
Most species make exposed nests in trees and shrubs, but some (Vespa Orientalis) build their nests underground or in other cavities.
Nests die over the winter, with lone Queens hibernating in leaf litter or other insulated material until the Spring.
Beekeepers are unable to assist with the removal of Hornet nests.
Please see below for information on the Asian Hornet and identification sheet.