This month it has been worrying to read that for the first time, Asian hornets have overwintered in the UK and are setting up permanent homes on our shores.  So what do we know about this species?

Well, it first arrived in France in 2004, and since then is has started to spread across Europe with the first sightings in the UK recorded in 2016.  According to UK government figures there have been over 108 sightings since, with over half of those reported in 2023 alone.  Many sightings have been clustered in coastal areas such as in Kent, Dorset and Hampshire leading to suggestions that the hornets are being carried over by the wind. However, the biggest problem with this invasive species is that it preys on other insects, and most concerningly, honey bee populations. According to the British Beekeeping Association (BBKA), an Asian hornet can eat over 30 honey bees a day by hovering or ‘hawking’ outside hives, to stop bees from going about their business collecting pollen.

The Asian hornet queen emerges from hibernation from mid January to March, with the the first set of worker hornets appearing from the nest April to May time.  Over the next five months, the colony will grow until it reaches a size that can accommodate several thousand individuals by the September and October months.  Nest sightings in the UK so far have mainly been up trees, but like wasps, Asian hornets can become aggressive if they feel their nest has come under attack.

The  Department of Environment,  Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) are encouraging us all to be vigilant and to help our honey bees by reporting any sightings of Asian hornets, preferably with an accompanying photograph. So what should you be looking for? Well, the quickest way to identify an Asian hornet is by its mainly black abdomen with a thicker yellow or orange coloured band on the fourth segment at its base.  It also has distinctive yellow legs at the tips.  If you think you have seen an Asian Hornet, DEFRA advises that you should report it on the ‘Asian Hornet Watch’ app, via their online report form or by emailing alertnonnative@ceh.ac.uk.