Landscapers urged to look out for yellow-legged hornets
The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) is asking the public to remain vigilant, following record sightings of the yellow-legged hornet – formerly known as the Asian hornet – last year and fresh sightings this year.
As of 23 July, there have been 62 sightings of the insect in Britain since the turn of the year, leading to the identification of 16 nests – broadly in line with the number of sightings at this stage last year.
As an invasive non-native species, the yellow-legged hornet poses a serious threat to the honey bee and other beneficial species in the UK.
It was first spotted on these shores in 2016 and, despite efforts to eradicate the species, there have been increasing sightings since.
Any suspected sightings should be reported via the Asian Hornet Watch app for iPhone or android, the online recording form, or alertnonnative@ceh.ac.uk.
Yellow-legged hornets are not considered to be especially aggressive but under no circumstances should an active nest be disturbed.
The APHA, through the Non-native Species Secretariat, has produced a range of useful resources to help keep track of the species: