Ministers urged to tackle surge in Asian hornets after rise in sightings
This year could be worst ever for Asian hornets in the UK
- Scientists warn that 2025 could be the worst year yet for Asian hornets in the UK, with 73 credible sightings and 28 nests found by the end of July.
- That is significantly more than the 28 sightings recorded in the same period last year.
- These invasive yellow-legged hornets pose a significant threat to native pollinator insects, including honeybees, which could impact food security and ecosystems.
- The species, first spotted in Britain in 2016, has seen rising numbers, with record sightings in 2023 and evidence of queens over-wintering for the first time last September.
- While predominantly found in Kent and East Sussex, sightings have occurred across various regions, including Surrey, Hampshire, London, and Co Durham, with most of Britain having a suitable climate for them.