Asian hornet spotted in Cork City sparks biosecurity alert for Ireland
The hornet, also known as a yellow-legged hornet, poses a significant threat to biodiversity in Ireland, as even a single nest can devastate honeybee populations. It does not pose a significant public health risk.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) said the hornet has since been captured and the Government has convened a taskforce to co-ordinate a response to the sighting, which was by a member of the public.
The hornet is native to Southeast Asia but has spread through Europe since being first identified on the continent in the south of France in 2004. Since then, it has spread to several other EU countries and the UK, where efforts are ongoing to halt its spread.
To date, Ireland has remained largely free from this invasive species, and the sighting in Cork is just its second verified sighting here.
The NPWS said a member of the public spotted the insect in the Cork City area and logged the sighting, with a photograph, on the National Biodiversity Data Centre's website. Entomologists at both the National Museum of Ireland and NPWS then confirmed the image as being an Asian hornet, triggering a rapid response protocol.
The NPWS said no evidence of a hornet nest or any other hornet activity was initially observed, but "subsequent surveillance led to the trapping of an Asian Hornet on August 12". It said "extensive monitoring will continue over the coming weeks" to determine if this is one individual Asian hornet or if there is "evidence of a larger population".
The sighting has triggered a Government-led response and a new taskforce — The Asian Hornet Management Group (AHMG) — has been established. Chaired by the NPWS, the AHMG also includes officials from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the National Biodiversity Data Centre and the National Museum of Ireland.
The NPWS survey team said it has engaged extensively with businesses, local communities and stakeholders in the area to raise awareness on how to identify an Asian hornet. Beekeeping associations have also been briefed on the matter.
The EU and International Affairs director for the NPWS, Áinle Ní Bhriain, said: 'NPWS and our partners have acted quickly to investigate the reported sighting of this species. An effective rapid response and public awareness is key to our approach.
"NPWS, in partnership with the Northern Ireland Environment Agency and the National Biodiversity Data Centre, is working together to address the threat posed by Asian hornet, which will help ensure that the island of Ireland is prepared in the event of an increased threat.'
Minister of state for biodiversity, Christopher O'Sullivan, said: 'Asian hornets are a threat to our native pollinators and our biodiversity. We must take even a single sighting very seriously."
He commended the NPWS for their quick response to the report, and their subsequent survey of the area. He said the incident also shows us that "members of the public are our eyes on the ground".
"Early detection is key if we are to prevent the establishment of this invasive species," he added.
I urge everyone to be vigilant and inform themselves so that they can recognise and report any sightings of the Asian hornet to help us contain this invasive species and protect our biodiversity.
Members of the public have been asked to report any suspected sightings through the National Biodiversity Data Centre's Alien Watch reporting portal.
Anyone who suspects they have spotted an Asian hornet should not attempt to disturb or capture it. While they are not generally aggressive, they may sting if provoked.
The NPWS response team said photographs, location co-ordinates, and samples can be "extremely valuable" and noted that the creature can often be confused for native species such as the giant woodwasp, the dark giant horsefly, and the common wasp.
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Irish Daily Mirror
9 hours ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
'Killer wasp' warning as guidance issued on how to identify Asian Hornets
The public is being urged to stay vigilant and report any sightings of the invasive Asian Hornet after one was captured in Cork. The confirmed sighting - only the second in Ireland - was made by a member of the public and reported to the National Biodiversity Data Centre. A photograph submitted with the report allowed experts to verify the species, triggering a rapid response. Survey teams were dispatched, and while no nest was initially found, a hornet was trapped on August 12. Monitoring will continue to determine if it was a lone arrival or part of a larger population. The first confirmed Irish sighting happened in April 2021, when a single hornet was discovered in a garage on Dublin's northside. How it entered the country remains unknown. The Government today said that the Asian Hornet is considered a serious threat to Ireland's biodiversity. Even a single nest can wipe out local honeybee populations - leading to the term "killer" - but officials say the species does not pose a significant public health risk. Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O'Sullivan, described the situation as urgent. He said: "Asian Hornets are a threat to our native pollinators and our biodiversity. We must take even a single sighting very seriously. NPWS responded quickly to this report, with a team of experts rapidly tasked to monitor and survey the area. One individual was captured and a co-ordinated response is now underway through a new cross government taskforce who will continue to monitor the situation. We are also very grateful for the support of beekeepers and their associations in this endeavour." An Asian hornet (Image: Chris Luck / SWNS) He stressed the importance of public awareness, adding: "This incident shows us that members of the public are our eyes on the ground. Early detection is key if we are to prevent the establishment of this invasive species. I urge everyone to be vigilant and inform themselves so that they can recognise and report any sightings of the Asian Hornet to help us contain this invasive species and protect our biodiversity." Guidance on how to identify Asian Hornets has been issued. The species can easily be mistaken for native insects, including the giant woodwasp, dark giant horsefly or common wasp. While generally non-aggressive, the hornet may sting if provoked, so members of the public are advised not to disturb or attempt to capture it. What are Asian Hornets? Asian Hornets, also known as Vespa velutina, are sometimes referred to as "killer wasps" due to their aggressive behaviour and the significant threat they pose to honeybee populations and, to a lesser extent, humans. Graphic showing the difference between Asian and European hornets (Image: UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology) The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage said: "The Asian Hornet is a predator of honeybees, wasps, other pollinators such as bumblebees, hoverflies and spiders, which it uses primarily to feed its larvae. These prey are important for pollination of crops as well as wild flora and disruptions to their populations may have serious impacts on biodiversity and pollination services. Honeybees are its main prey with potential consequences for the honey production sector. However, the potential of the hornet to become invasive in Ireland is dependent on its successful establishment of colonies here." Confirmed sightings of Asian Hornets in Ireland The first confirmed Asian Hornet in Ireland was recorded in April 2021, when a single specimen was discovered in a garage on Dublin's northside. Verified by Dr A. O'Hanlon of the National Museum of Ireland, the insect was preserved in the museum's collection. How it arrived in the country remains unknown. Today marks only the second verified sighting on Irish soil. Spotted recently in the Cork area by a member of the public, the insect's identification led to the capture of an Asian Hornet on August 12. Experts are now investigating whether it was a lone arrival or part of a wider population. Can Asian Hornets kill humans? A single Asian Hornet can kill multiple bees per day, and a small group can decimate an entire hive, leading to the term "killer". Unlike honeybees, Asian Hornets can sting again and again. The sting of an Asian Hornet is said to be particularly painful and can cause severe allergic reactions in some individuals, leading to medical emergencies. Multiple stings from Asian Hornets can cause significant pain, allergic reactions, and in severe cases, can be life-threatening. An Asian hornet queen In their native Asia, particularly in countries like Japan and China, there are occasional reports of fatalities every year due to stings from various hornet species, including the Asian Hornet. In Japan, an average of 20 to 40 people die each year from hornet, wasp and bee stings combined. The NPWS said: "Asian Hornet will also sting people but in general, the sting is no worse than a sting from any bee or wasp in Ireland. The reaction experienced by people from their sting varies – as it does with wasp or bee stings – from most commonly a mild localized hive like throbbing swelling to more rarely, a severe reaction of anaphylaxis." How to identify an Asian Hornet According to Biodiversity Ireland: "Workers can be up to 25mm long, while queens may reach in excess of 30mm, which is considerably larger than any of our wasp species. The thorax is a velvety dark brown or black and the abdomen is dark with the exception of the 4th segment, which is yellow. "Legs have yellow tips, from which it takes its other common name the 'yellow-legged hornet'. The head is black with an orange face. Males can be differentiated from workers by their lack of a stinger. "ID features to look out for: Queen up to 3 centimetres & worker up to 2.5 centimetres long Dark colour antennae Long orange face Entirely brown or black thorax so no stripes on the middle/thorax section. Abdomen mostly black except for yellow band across the 4th segment with orangey-coloured lower segments. Legs yellow at the ends It has a small thin stinger that is retractable so normally not visible." What to do if you spot an Asian Hornet The NPWS has advised the public to become familiar with the identification features of Asian Hornet. Report suspected sightings in Ireland though the National Biodiversity Data Centre's Alien Watch reporting portal here. What to do if an Asian Hornet stings you If an Asian Hornet stings you, you should immediately wash the area thoroughly with soap and cool water, and apply ice to slow the venom from spreading further. If you have trouble breathing, visit an A&E as you may be allergic to the sting. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
Agriland
15 hours ago
- Agriland
Government response underway after sighting of Asian hornet
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has confirmed a recent sighting and subsequent capture of an Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) in the Co. Cork area. This marks a biosecurity alert for Ireland, according to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The Asian hornet poses a significant threat to biodiversity in Ireland, as even a single nest can devastate honeybee populations. The discovery of an Asian hornet does not pose a significant public health risk. The sighting has triggered a government led response with the establishment of a new taskforce. The Asian Hornet Management Group (AHMG), chaired by the NPWS, includes the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the National Biodiversity Data Centre and the National Museum of Ireland. This group will coordinate efforts, gather further information and monitor the situation over the coming weeks. The sighting was reported to the National Biodiversity Data Centre's website by a member of the public. A photograph was included, which was confirmed as an Asian hornet by entomologists at both the National Museum of Ireland and NPWS, triggering a rapid response protocol. A survey team was quickly deployed and extensive monitoring and surveying conducted. No evidence of a hornet nest or any other hornet activity was initially observed. However, subsequent surveillance led to the trapping of an Asian hornet on August 12. Extensive monitoring will continue over the coming weeks to determine if this is one individual or if there is evidence of a larger population, the Department of Housing said. The survey team has engaged with businesses, local communities and stakeholders in the area to raise awareness on how to identify the Asian hornet. Beekeeping associations have been briefed and are "playing their part". This sighting is the second verified identification of this invasive species in Ireland. The first identification was of a single individual in the Dublin area during 2021, and was not associated with a wild viable population. Commenting on this incident, Minister of State for nature, heritage and biodiversity Christopher O'Sullivan said: "Asian hornets are a threat to our native pollinators and our biodiversity. We must take even a single sighting very seriously. "The NPWS responded quickly to this report, with a team of experts rapidly tasked to monitor and survey the area. One individual was captured and a coordinated response is now underway through a new cross government taskforce who will continue to monitor the situation. "This incident shows us that members of the public are our eyes on the ground. Early detection is key if we are to prevent the establishment of this invasive species," Minister O'Sullivan added. "I urge everyone to be vigilant and inform themselves so that they can recognise and report any sightings of the Asian hornet to help us contain this invasive species and protect our biodiversity," he said. Members of the public are being asked to remain vigilant and report any suspected sightings through the National Biodiversity Data Centre's Alien Watch reporting portal. If someone suspects they have spotted an Asian hornet, they should not attempt to disturb or capture it. While not generally aggressive, it may sting if provoked. Any photographs, location coordinates, or samples (if safe to collect post-mortem) are extremely valuable to the response team, the Department of Housing said. It is important to note that the Asian hornet can be easily confused with native species such as the giant woodwasp, the dark giant horsefly, and the common wasp. The Asian hornet has spread to and established populations in several EU countries. There are ongoing control efforts in the UK to prevent this species from establishing there. A population of Asian hornets has also been recorded in the US.
The Irish Sun
16 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Major ‘be vigilant' warning after Asian Hornet captured in Ireland as Govt response launched over ‘significant threat'
The hornet's sting is more painful than a common wasp's BAD BUZZ Major 'be vigilant' warning after Asian Hornet captured in Ireland as Govt response launched over 'significant threat' AN ASIAN hornet was captured in Cork yesterday in an incident that poses "a significant threat to biodiversity in Ireland". The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has confirmed a recent sighting and capture of an Asian hornet in the Cork area on 12 August. Advertisement 2 The Asian Hornet is a is an invasive wasp species Credit: A O'Hanlon, National Museum of Ireland. In a statement, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage said that the Asian Hornet pose such a serious threat as "even a single nest can devastate honeybee populations". It added, however, that the "discovery of an Asian Hornet does not pose a significant public health risk". The sighting has triggered a Government-led response which will see the establishment of a new task force. The new Asian Hornet Management Group (AHMG), chaired by the NPWS, will include officials from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the National Biodiversity Data Centre, and the National Museum of Ireland. Advertisement Speaking about the incident, Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O'Sullivan TD said: "Asian Hornets are a threat to our native pollinators and our biodiversity. "We must take even a single sighting very seriously. NPWS responded quickly to this report, with a team of experts rapidly tasked to monitor and survey the area. "One individual was captured and a co-ordinated response is now underway through a new cross government taskforce who will continue to monitor the situation." Mr O'Sullivan explained that early detection is key when dealing with these types of issues. Advertisement He said: "This incident shows us that members of the public are our eyes on the ground. Early detection is key if we are to prevent the establishment of this invasive species. "I urge everyone to be vigilant and inform themselves so that they can recognise and report any sightings of the Asian Hornet to help us contain this invasive species and protect our biodiversity." Killer Asian hornets are destroying my business – it's costing me thousands and I'm powerless The sighting was first reported to the National Biodiversity Data Centre's website by a member of the public. A photograph confirmed to be an Asian hornet was included in the post, triggering a rapid response protocol, which led to the subsequent capture of the hornet. Advertisement Asian Hornet: What to look out for THE ASIAN Hornet is a is an invasive wasp species that poses a serious threat to honeybees and other pollinators in Ireland and across Europe. What to look out for? Large, dark hornet with yellow-tipped legs Clear yellow-orange stripe near the end of its body. Nests shaped like large grey paper footballs, often high in trees but sometimes in sheds and garages. Unusually high activity around beehives (they prey on honeybees) Their sting? More painful than a common wasp sting, but not usually dangerous to most people unless allergic. Can sting multiple times and inject more venom per sting than a common wasp In rare cases, can cause severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) Unlike honeybees, they don't lose their stinger and can sting repeatedly If stung you should: Wash the area with soap and water. Apply a cold pack to reduce swelling. Take an antihistamine if needed. Seek urgent medical attention if you have difficulty breathing, dizziness, or swelling of the face/throat Members of the public are being asked to remain vigilant and report any suspected sightings through the National Biodiversity Data Centre's Alien Watch reporting portal at
