Record sightings of yellow-legged hornets in UK
There has been an unprecedented number of yellow-legged hornet – formerly known as the Asian hornet – sightings this year, according to the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (Defra).
In May, BALI reported that the Defra-owned Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) was urging the public to remain vigilant, following 20 confirmed sightings in the early stages of 2025.
Since then, there have been a further 14 sightings in June, 24 sightings in July, and 42 sightings in July – a far greater number than across the same months in previous years.
Moreover, the vast majority of these sightings have led to a nest being destroyed, suggesting they are just the tip of the iceberg.
Most sightings have occurred in Kent and South East England but the hornets have also been seen as far west as Dorset and as far north as Cheshire.
As an invasive non-native species, the yellow-legged hornet poses a serious threat to the honey bee and other beneficial species in this country.
We ask members to remain vigilant and report any suspected sightings via the Asian Hornet Watch app for iPhone or android, the online recording form, or alertnonnative@ceh.ac.uk.
Asian 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: