Asian Hornet - shire-pest-solutions.co.uk

Having problems with asian hornets?

To date, there have been 13 confirmed sightings of the Asian hornet in England and six nests have been destroyed.

Nine of these sightings occurred in 2018; an individual hornet in Lancashire (April) and Hull, three in Cornwall, two in Hampshire, one in Surrey (all September) and the latest in Kent (October).

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Additional Information

The Asian Hornet is not native to the UK, originating from East Asia and unable to naturally migrate to the UK. The primary concern with the Asian Hornet is its predation on bees. In France, it has heavily preyed on various bee species, including the familiar European honey bee and numerous solitary and colonial bees. Nature conservation groups, such as the RSPB, are worried about the Asian Hornet’s impact on bees, as these pollinators are crucial for maintaining healthy ecosystems.

To recognize an Asian Hornet, observe its body, legs, and size. The Asian Hornet has a dark thorax and primarily dark abdomen with an orange or yellow fourth segment, while the European Hornet features thick yellow bands across its entire abdomen and a red-brown thorax. An immediately identifiable characteristic of the Asian Hornet is its bright yellow leg tips, in contrast to the European’s brown legs. Additionally, size can help distinguish the two; European Hornets are much larger, with workers measuring 25mm and queens up to 35mm, whereas Asian Hornets are generally between 20-24mm, only slightly larger than the Common Wasp.

Remedy:

The Asian hornet (Vespa velutina), also known as the yellow-legged hornet or Asian predatory wasp, is a concern as an invasive species, with confirmed sightings now in the UK. Recognising these hornets is essential for addressing their presence effectively.

The yellow-legged hornet is a social wasp species that builds large, egg-shaped paper nests, which can house an average of 6,000 workers. Native to tropical and subtropical areas of Southeast Asia, these hornets pose a significant threat to other insects, including bee hives.

Controlling Asian hornets is crucial to mitigate their potential impact on local ecosystems and biodiversity. Their presence can be detrimental to native insect populations and overall environmental health.

If you suspect the presence of Asian hornets in your area, report any possible sightings promptly. Use the ‘Asian Hornet Watch’ app to record and report sightings. If you haven’t downloaded the app, you can send photos and videos via email to alertnonnative@ceh.ac.uk.

Asian hornet nests can be large and aggressive. Do not attempt to remove or disturb nests on your own, as it can be dangerous. Contact professionals experienced in hornet nest removal to handle the situation safely.

To avoid attracting hornets, do not leave food or sugary substances exposed and ensure rubbish containers are sealed tightly. Consider using fine mesh screens on windows and doors to prevent hornets from entering buildings.

DO ASIAN HORNETS CARRY DISEASES?

Asian hornets are large, aggressive insects with an annual life cycle. The queen, stimulated by warmer spring temperatures, starts laying eggs and building a new nest. Once a nest is established, it can house between 500–1,500 hornets by late summer, depending on local conditions.

Lifecycle Overview:

Spring: The queen starts a new nest, laying eggs that hatch into sterile workers.
Summer: Worker hornets forage for food, feed the queen, and expand the nest.
Autumn: New reproductive females and males emerge to mate before the workers die off as temperatures cool.
Winter: Fertilised females overwinter in sheltered locations, emerging in the spring to begin a new nest cycle.

While Asian hornets do not carry diseases, they pose a health risk through their painful stings, which can cause severe allergic reactions, especially in individuals who are allergic to insect venom. If provoked, a swarm of hornets can attack, making it crucial to handle nests carefully and seek professional removal.

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Asian Hornet FAQ

1. What is an Asian hornet and why is it a problem?

The Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) is an invasive species not native to the UK. It poses a serious threat to native pollinators, especially honeybees, and can disrupt local ecosystems. It also delivers a painful sting and can be aggressive when defending its nest.

2. How can I identify an Asian hornet?

Asian hornets are slightly smaller than native European hornets, with a dark brown or black body, yellow-tipped legs, and a distinct orange face. Unlike wasps or bees, they have a single yellow-orange band near the tail and fly more slowly and deliberately.

3. Are Asian hornets dangerous to humans?

Asian hornets are not usually aggressive towards humans unless their nest is disturbed. However, their sting can be painful and may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Caution is advised around suspected nests.

4. What should I do if I spot an Asian hornet or nest?

Do not attempt to remove or approach the nest yourself. Report sightings immediately to the appropriate authority, such as the UK Non-Native Species Secretariat (NNSS). You can also contact Shire Pest Solutions for professional advice and inspection.

5. Can Shire Pest Solutions help with Asian hornet removal?

Yes, our trained technicians are equipped to safely assess and deal with Asian hornet nests. We offer rapid response services across Oxfordshire, including Didcot, Abingdon, Wallingford, Newbury, and surrounding areas, to ensure public safety and environmental protection.