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 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 UK 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:

• Risk assessment (PDF)
• ID Sheet (PDF)
• Nests ID Sheet (PDF)
• Alert posters (PDF)
• Factsheet
• Gallery of images

Contact: Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA)