Asian Hornets Detected in Dover

Beekeepers and the public are being urged today (Wednesday 19 July) to stay observant following the sighting of Asian hornets in the Dover region of Kent.

The National Bee Unit has validated the sightings, and monitoring efforts are currently in progress to locate more Asian hornets in the area.

Asian hornets are smaller than the native hornets and do not pose a greater risk to human health compared to native wasps and hornets. However, they present a threat to honey bees, and efforts are underway to monitor hornet activity and locate potential nests.

This year has seen multiple confirmations of Asian hornet sightings, marking this as the sixth confirmed case in the UK since April 2023, when the first Asian hornet was captured near Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Northumberland.

Defra’s Chief Plant and Bee Health Officer Nicola Spence stated:

“By being promptly informed of possible sightings, we can take swift and effective measures to eliminate the threat posed by Asian hornets. We are moving quickly to locate and investigate any nests in the vicinity following the confirmed sightings in Kent.”

“While the Asian hornet does not pose a higher risk to human health than other wasps or hornets, they can be detrimental to honey bee colonies and other helpful insects.”

“Please remain vigilant for any Asian hornets, and if you believe you’ve seen one, report your sighting via the Asian hornet app or online. Nests might be smaller at this time of year, but we are still advising everyone to be cautious.”

It is crucial not to approach or disturb a nest. Asian hornets are typically not aggressive towards humans, except when they feel their nest is threatened.

If you think you’ve spotted an Asian hornet, please report it using the iPhone or Android app ‘Asian Hornet Watch’ or through our online report form. Alternatively, email alertnonnative@ceh.ac.uk. Including a photograph, if safely possible, is appreciated.

Identification guides and further information can be found here, and beekeepers should stay updated on the latest information via the gov.uk sightings page and BeeBase.

ENDS

Further information:

• The costs associated with eradication on private properties will be covered by APHA.
• The Great Britain Non-native Species Secretariat is a collaborative effort by Defra, the Scottish Government, and the Welsh Government to address the challenges posed by invasive species. More information is available on their website.
• For details regarding the appearance of an Asian hornet, please consult the BeeBase guide or the non-native species identification guide.
• Images of the Asian hornet can be found on our Flickr account.
• The Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) should not be confused with the Asian giant hornet (Vespa mandarinia), which has been identified in North America.