Asian Hornets in the UK: What beekeepers need to know in 2026
The Asian hornet (Vespa velutina), also known as the yellow-legged hornet, is one of the most serious emerging threats to honey bees and pollinators in the United Kingdom. First detected in the UK in 2016, this invasive species has steadily increased in both sightings and nest discoveries, particularly across the South East of England.
For beekeepers, the risk is very real. Asian hornets are highly efficient predators of honey bees and other pollinators, capable of significantly weakening or even destroying colonies if left unmanaged. At the same time, government agencies, scientists, and beekeeping organisations are working intensively to prevent the species from becoming permanently established in the UK.
For beekeepers in high-risk areas such as Kent, staying informed and prepared is becoming an increasingly important part of responsible hive management. At Hagens Bees, we regularly work with beekeepers across the South East and have seen first-hand how awareness and early action can make a significant difference.
In this article, we will look at the current situation in the UK, where Asian hornets are being found, the role of the National Bee Unit, why Kent and the South East are high-risk areas, and what beekeepers should be doing.
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What is the Asian Hornet?
The Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) is an invasive predatory wasp native to Southeast Asia. It was first detected in France around 2004 and has since spread rapidly across mainland Europe. It is widely believed that the species was accidentally introduced via imported goods from China, with a single fertilised queen thought to have arrived in cargo and established the first population in the Lot-et-Garonne region. While this account is commonly cited, it remains unconfirmed.
It is important not to confuse it with the native European hornet (Vespa crabro), which is larger and not considered a major threat to honey bee colonies.
Asian hornets are smaller, darker, and more agile hunters. They are typically dark brown to black in colour, with a single orange or yellow band on the abdomen and distinctive yellow-tipped legs. Workers are usually around 25 mm in length.
Their behaviour is what makes Asian hornets particularly dangerous to honey bee colonies. They are highly effective predators and are often seen hovering in front of hive entrances, where they capture returning forager bees in flight. The hornets then remove the less nutritious parts of the bee, retaining the protein-rich thorax, which is carried back to the nest to feed developing larvae.
This persistent “hawking” behaviour places significant pressure on colonies. Bees may become reluctant to leave the hive, leading to a reduction in foraging activity. Over time, this can result in nutritional stress, weakened colony strength, and in severe cases, colony collapse.
The situation in the UK
Since the first confirmed sighting of the Asian hornet in the UK in 2016, the National Bee Unit (NBU), part of the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), has led a coordinated programme of surveillance, rapid response and nest destruction.
Between 2016 and 2022, the number of confirmed incursions remained relatively low, typically involving only one or two nests each year. In each case, nests were successfully located and destroyed, preventing the species from becoming established.
In 2023, there was a marked increase in activity, with 72 nests identified and destroyed across England. This represented a significant escalation compared to previous years. In 2024, 24 nests were confirmed, the majority of which were located in the South East of England, reflecting the continued concentration of risk in this region.
Importantly, genetic analysis has provided evidence that Asian hornets have successfully bred and overwintered in the UK. This suggests that, in some cases, populations may now be surviving between seasons rather than arriving solely via repeated incursions from mainland Europe.
By 2025, activity had increased further, with over 500 credible sightings reported and more than 160 nests identified and destroyed as part of ongoing monitoring and eradication efforts. These figures reflect both increased public awareness and reporting, as well as a genuine rise in hornet presence.
Regional risk: Kent, South East England and the Channel Islands
Asian hornet activity in the UK is concentrated in particular regions rather than being evenly distributed. The highest number of sightings and nest discoveries consistently occur in the South East of England, particularly in Kent and East Sussex.
Kent is widely recognised as a primary risk area due to its proximity to mainland Europe, where Asian hornets are well established. Hornets can arrive naturally across the Channel or via human transport routes such as freight and vehicles.
Recent seasons have seen multiple confirmed sightings and nests across locations including Ashford, Dover, Folkestone and Hythe, Canterbury, Maidstone and Whitstable. This level of activity demonstrates that the South East is currently the front line of the UK’s defence against Asian hornets.
The Channel Islands, particularly Jersey, provide a clear indication of what could happen if Asian hornets become established. In Jersey, the species is now considered established, with large numbers of queens and nests recorded annually. Ongoing monitoring and destruction programmes are required each year, and there is sustained pressure on pollinators as a result. This serves as a warning for mainland UK.
© Crown copyright Julia Hoggard (APHA)
Asian Hornet vs European Hornet: Key differences and what you should do
Correct identification is essential when dealing with suspected Asian hornet sightings in the UK. Native species, particularly the European hornet (Vespa crabro), are frequently mistaken for Asian hornets but play a very different role in the ecosystem.
Asian hornets are smaller, typically around 20–25 mm for workers, and have a predominantly dark body with a single orange or yellow band on the abdomen and distinctive yellow-tipped legs. In flight they appear noticeably darker.
European hornets are larger and more robust, with a more yellow appearance overall. They have multiple yellow bands across the abdomen and a reddish-brown head and thorax, and they lack the yellow-tipped legs seen on Asian hornets.
The Asian hornet is an invasive, non-native species and is considered a significant threat in the UK. It is a specialised predator of honey bees and other pollinators and can weaken colonies through sustained predation. For this reason, it is subject to an active eradication programme led by the National Bee Unit.
In contrast, the European hornet is a native species and is not considered a threat to beekeeping in the UK. It is not a specialist predator of honey bees and plays a useful role in controlling other insect populations. It is generally non-aggressive unless disturbed near its nest and should not be harmed.
All suspected Asian hornet sightings should be reported using official channels. European hornets do not need to be reported.
Life cycle of the Asian Hornet
Understanding the life cycle of the Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) is essential in identifying when the risk to honey bees is greatest and when intervention is most effective.
In spring, usually from March onwards depending on weather conditions, overwintered fertilised queens emerge from hibernation and begin establishing small primary nests in sheltered locations such as sheds, hedgerows or roof spaces. During this early stage, the queen alone is responsible for building the nest and raising the first brood, making this the most effective period for early detection and control.
By early summer, the first worker hornets emerge and take over foraging and nest expansion. As the colony develops, it typically relocates to a larger secondary nest, often positioned high in trees or other elevated locations, where it becomes more difficult to detect.
Through late summer and into early autumn, colonies reach peak size, frequently numbering several thousand individuals. This is the period of greatest impact on honey bee colonies, with hornets commonly observed “hawking” at hive entrances and exerting sustained predation pressure.
In autumn, the colony begins producing new reproductive individuals, including queens and males. After mating, newly fertilised queens disperse and seek suitable sites to overwinter, while the original colony declines and eventually dies. Only these fertilised queens survive into the following year.
Recent evidence that Asian hornets have successfully overwintered in the UK indicates that, in some cases, the full life cycle is now being completed locally, increasing the risk of longer-term establishment.
What beekeepers should be doing
Beekeepers, particularly in Kent and the South East of England, should remain vigilant while following current UK guidance. Regular observation of colonies is essential, with attention given to unusual activity such as hornets hovering at hive entrances, reduced foraging, or signs of colony stress. Any suspected sightings should be reported promptly through the official National Bee Unit channels, as early reporting remains one of the most effective tools in preventing establishment.
Current guidance does not support widespread or indiscriminate trapping. Such approaches can harm non-target species, including beneficial pollinators, and are not considered effective in controlling established populations. Instead, emphasis should be placed on monitoring and reporting.
Maintaining strong, healthy colonies is also important. Good beekeeping practice, including effective Varroa management, adequate nutrition and maintaining colony strength, can help improve resilience under predation pressure.
Staying informed is equally important, particularly in high-risk areas. Beekeepers should follow updates from the National Bee Unit and local associations, and ensure their apiaries are set up in a way that allows clear observation of hive entrances. In practice, this means maintaining good access and visibility, enabling early detection of changes in bee behaviour, especially during late summer when Asian hornet activity is typically at its peak.
What to do if you see an Asian Hornet
If you encounter a suspected Asian hornet, it is important to remain calm and avoid approaching the insect. Asian hornets are not generally aggressive away from the nest, but they can defend their colony if disturbed, so maintaining a safe distance is essential.
In areas such as Kent and the wider South East, where sightings have been more frequent, this kind of awareness is particularly important. Beekeepers who are regularly working their colonies are often among the first to notice changes in behaviour, making them a key part of the UK’s early warning system.
Where possible, take the time to observe the hornet from a distance and, if it is safe to do so, obtain a clear photograph. This is one of the most valuable pieces of information you can provide, as it allows specialists at the National Bee Unit to confirm identification quickly and accurately.
Once observed, the sighting should be reported without delay using the official UK reporting channels, such as the Asian Hornet Watch app or the National Bee Unit online reporting form. Prompt reporting is critical, as it allows inspectors to respond quickly and increases the likelihood of locating and destroying a nest before it develops further.
It is important not to attempt to follow the hornet back to its nest unless you are experienced and acting under guidance. Similarly, you should never attempt to destroy a nest yourself. Asian hornet nests can contain large numbers of individuals, and interference can provoke defensive behaviour, posing a risk to personal safety.
Any confirmed nests are dealt with by trained professionals using approved methods. The role of the public and beekeepers is to observe, record, and report, rather than intervene directly.
How to report an Asian Hornet sighting or nest
If you suspect you have seen an Asian hornet or located a nest, it is important to report it using the official UK channels as quickly as possible.
The preferred method is the Asian Hornet Watch app, which is available on both iOS and Android devices. This allows you to submit a report directly, including photographs and location data, which helps the National Bee Unit respond quickly.
If you do not have access to a smartphone, sightings can be reported online via the National Bee Unit using the official form.
Alternatively, reports can be submitted by email to:
alertnonnative@ceh.ac.uk
When submitting a report, you should provide as much information as possible, including a clear photograph if it is safe to obtain one, the exact location or postcode, the date and time of the sighting, and any relevant details about behaviour, such as whether the hornet was near a hive, feeding, or flying.
When submitting a report, you should provide as much information as possible, including a clear photograph if it is safe to obtain one, the exact location or postcode, the date and time of the sighting, and any relevant details about behaviour, such as whether the hornet was near a hive, feeding, or flying.
Accurate and timely reporting is essential. The UK’s response strategy relies heavily on members of the public and beekeepers identifying and reporting sightings quickly so that action can be taken before nests become established.
What happens after you report an Asian Hornet?
Once a suspected Asian hornet sighting is reported, the National Bee Unit (NBU), part of the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), initiates a structured and rapid response designed to confirm the identification and, where necessary, locate and destroy any associated nest.
Each report is first assessed by specialists who review the submitted details, including photographs and location information. As a significant number of reports relate to native species or other insects, this verification stage is essential to ensure that resources are used efficiently and appropriately.
If the sighting is confirmed as an Asian hornet, trained NBU inspectors are deployed to the area to carry out further investigation. This involves observing hornet activity and behaviour, and in some cases tracking individual hornets over time to help determine the location of the nest.
A range of specialist techniques may be used during this process, including monitoring flight paths and using bait stations to attract hornets. The objective is to trace foraging hornets back to their colony as quickly as possible, before it develops further or produces new queens.
Once a nest is located, it is dealt with by trained professionals using approved methods. Nests are typically destroyed at night, when most hornets are present, ensuring maximum effectiveness. Approved insecticides are used to eliminate the colony, and nests may be removed for further examination if required.
Following destruction, the surrounding area is monitored for any additional activity, and further inspections may be carried out to confirm that no other nests are present. This coordinated and methodical approach is central to the UK’s ongoing strategy to prevent the establishment of Asian hornets.
Rapid reporting plays a critical role throughout this process. Early detection greatly increases the likelihood of locating and destroying nests before new queens are produced, helping to limit the spread of this invasive species.
© Crown copyright Thomas Birch (APHA)
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The wider impact
Asian hornets present a significant concern not only for beekeepers but for the wider environment. As generalist predators, they feed on a wide range of insects, including honey bees, solitary bees, hoverflies and other important pollinators. This places additional pressure on already vulnerable insect populations.
The impact on honey bee colonies can be particularly severe. Sustained predation around hive entrances can lead to reduced foraging activity, weakening of the colony, and in some cases colony failure. Beyond managed hives, wild pollinators are also affected, which has broader ecological consequences.
Pollinators play a fundamental role in both natural ecosystems and agriculture. Many crops rely on insect pollination, and a decline in pollinator populations can have direct implications for food production and biodiversity. The presence of an efficient predator such as the Asian hornet adds further strain to these systems.
Experiences in mainland Europe and the Channel Islands have shown that once Asian hornets become established, controlling their spread becomes significantly more challenging. This can lead to long-term management rather than eradication, requiring ongoing resources and intervention.
For this reason, preventing establishment in the UK remains a priority, and the importance of early detection and coordinated response cannot be overstated.
Supporting pollinator health is not only about responding to threats such as the Asian hornet, but also about maintaining strong, well-managed colonies and encouraging good beekeeping practices more broadly. This combination of vigilance and good husbandry remains one of the most effective ways to protect bees in the UK.
To conclude...
The Asian hornet represents a serious and evolving challenge for UK beekeeping and for the health of pollinator populations more widely. The increasing number of sightings and confirmed nests in recent years, particularly across Kent and the South East of England, reflects growing pressure on the UK’s biosecurity efforts.
Despite this, the UK has so far been effective in limiting the spread of the species through a coordinated approach involving the National Bee Unit, local authorities, beekeeping organisations and the public. This success depends on rapid reporting, accurate identification and swift, targeted intervention.
There remains a clear opportunity to prevent full establishment, but this will rely on continued vigilance. Beekeepers are particularly well placed to notice changes in behaviour at the hive and play a critical role in early detection.
By staying informed, monitoring colonies carefully and reporting suspected sightings through the correct channels, both beekeepers and the wider public contribute directly to national efforts to control this invasive species. Maintaining this level of awareness will be essential in protecting both managed honey bees and the wider pollinator population in the years ahead.
For those keeping bees in high-risk regions, particularly across Kent and the South East, a proactive approach is increasingly important. Clear observation of hive activity, good apiary management and strong colony health all contribute to early detection and resilience.
At Hagens Bees, we continue to support beekeepers with practical advice, quality equipment and up-to-date information, helping ensure they are well prepared as the situation continues to develop.