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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
