The Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) is believed to have been introduced to Southern France in pottery derived from China in 2004. Since then, it has colonised France rapidly, spreading into Portugal, Spain, Belgium and Italy.

Why are Asian hornets a risk?

Asian hornets are opportunistic predators that feed on a variety of insects, including honeybees and other pollinators. They have been known to decimate honeybee colonies by preying on worker bees, which can have a significant impact on local ecosystems and agricultural pollination. Whilst they are more of a threat to honeybees, they do also predate on solitary bees and other invertebrates and it’s unknown at this time what affect they could have on our already dwindling insect populations.

The presence of Asian hornets can also have economic consequences. They can cause damage to beehives, leading to reduced honey production and the loss of valuable honeybee colonies. Additionally, the cost of controlling and managing Asian hornet populations can be a burden on beekeepers and agricultural industries. The estimated yearly costs for eradication would be €11.9M for France, €9.0M for Italy and €8.6M for the United Kingdom.

Efforts are made to monitor and control Asian hornet populations in the UK to mitigate their impact on both native wildlife and human activities. Early detection and reporting of Asian hornet sightings are important for effective management and control measures. Asian hornets and their painful stings only pose a risk to people who may be allergic to their venom.

Asian hornet nests

Asian hornets usually build their nests suspended in trees or in open large spaces. They build their nests, much like the European hornet, with regurgitated woody material which is why it looks like paper mâché. The nest is usually around half a meter long and egg shaped with entrances built all around the sides and bottom of the nest.

European hornets in comparison, usually build their nests in cavities and prefer their openings to be at the bottom of the nest.

The Asian hornet nest is estimated to release between 180-500 queens (compared to just one in a honeybee colony), which is exactly why they’re so hard to control.

How to identify an Asian hornet?

Identifying an Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) in the UK can be challenging because they can look similar to some native hornet and wasp species. However, there are key characteristics that can help you distinguish Asian hornets from other insects:

Asian hornets are larger than most native hornets and wasps in the UK. They are typically about 2-3 cm (0.8-1.2 inches) in length.

Asian hornets also have a distinctive colour pattern. The thorax (the middle section of the body) is dark brown or black. The abdomen (the rear section of the body) is mostly dark brown to black, with a single, thick, yellow-orange band located near the posterior end. Native European hornets have multiple yellow bands on their abdomen.

Asian hornets also have yellow-orange legs, which are noticeable, especially when they are in flight. Whereas our native European hornet has only brown legs.

Download the PlanBee Asian Hornet Identification Guide

How to monitor Asian hornets in your garden

Our nature reserves are too large to monitor Asian hornet populations and we do not have the resources to check traps on a daily basis which is why we need your help to stay on top of the situation. Here's what you can do.

We’ve already had reports of many sightings in the Folkestone and Dover area so it’s important that residents looking out for nests and report any sightings. As the leaves on our trees fall, it should be easier to spot the nests and report them to the relevant authorities.

Asian hornets need regular monitoring to ensure they don't enter the UK. That's why we're asking Kent residents to stay alert and set-up monitoring traps in your gardens (guide link below). By creating or buying a trap and checking it daily, you can help report sightings and reduce numbers next year.

Download the guide to monitoring Asian Hornets from the Animal & Plant Health Agency

If you think you have spotted an Asian hornet in your trap, put the entire contents of the trap into a tightly sealed freezer bag and place into the freezer for 12 hours before opening. Make sure to report all sightings to the Asian Hornet Watch app on iPhone / Android or using the online recording form. Thank you for your support.

References

• What is the Asian hornet invasion going to cost Europe? April 6^th 2020
• Asian hornet, Wildlife in France