
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
More About Shire Pest Solutions
Shire Pest Solutions is a trusted and local pest control company proudly serving homes and businesses across Oxfordshire and beyond. With a reputation built on professionalism, reliability, and fast response times, we specialise in the safe and effective removal of pests including ants, wasps, rodents, bed bugs, and more.
Our expert technicians are fully qualified and equipped with the latest tools and treatments to ensure pest problems are resolved quickly and safely—without unnecessary disruption. Whether it’s a minor domestic issue or a large-scale commercial infestation, we tailor our services to meet your needs with minimal fuss and maximum effectiveness.
Based locally, we regularly assist customers in Didcot, Wallingford, Abingdon, Wantage, Witney, Newbury, Thame, Thatcham, and Stokenchurch. Our knowledge of the local area enables us to provide rapid call-outs and treatments that are suited to the unique pest challenges of each location.
At Shire Pest Solutions, we don’t just eliminate pests—we help prevent them from returning. With transparent pricing, no hidden fees, and a dedication to customer satisfaction, we are the go-to pest control provider for homeowners, landlords, and commercial clients alike.
Get in touch today to arrange a call-out or learn more about our pest control services across Oxfordshire and surrounding areas.