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BBC News
3 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Asian hornet spotted in Mordon sparks fears of nest
An Asian hornet has been spotted in a village, sparking fears of a hornet was seen on 28 May in Mordon, County Durham, when the insect flew out of a polytunnel.A National Bee Unit inspector has visited the area and put up monitoring Campbell, from the British Beekeepers' Association, explained that just one queen hornet "could set up a nest". "What we are worried about is increasing numbers of Asian hornets in the UK," he said."We are seeing really scary numbers from the Channel Islands and we have had a very warm spring."The entire problem with hornets in Europe began with a few in the south of France 20 years ago."All it takes is one queen, so we don't take any reports lightly at all." There is still no confirmed origin of the hornet in Mordon, despite local Campbell added: "There is no apparent way of the hornet arriving there."It either managed to fly over the Channel or made it over through the transportation of goods."In 2025 there have been 24 sightings in England of Asian hornets so far, with concerns the number of nests needing to be destroyed will eclipse the 24 last invasive species feeds on native bees and wasps, damaging diversity. Follow BBC Tees on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
Western Telegraph
12-05-2025
- General
- Western Telegraph
Asian Hornet warning issued amid confirmed 2025 sightings
So far, 13 sightings of the invasive species have been recorded in 2025. Formerly known as the Asian hornet, Yellow-legged hornets are a "highly aggressive" predator of native insects and pose a "significant threat" to honeybees and other pollinators in the UK. Native wild animals in the UK Confirmed sightings of Yellow-legged (Asian) Hornets in 2025 The confirmed sightings of Yellow-legged (Asian) Hornets in 2025 (at the time of writing), according to the National Bee Unit (NBU) website, are: January 23 - Oswestry, Shropshire : Single Yellow-legged Hornet found in imported shallots : Single Yellow-legged Hornet found in imported shallots March 17 - Canterbury, Kent : Dead hornet found by member of the public : Dead hornet found by member of the public April 8 - Marchwood, Hampshire : Yellow-legged Hornet found in a rotary washing line : Yellow-legged Hornet found in a rotary washing line April 12 - Deal, Kent : Hornet flew into a conservatory : Hornet flew into a conservatory April 14 - Applwdore, Kent : Single Yellow-legged Hornet spotted in a greenhouse : Single Yellow-legged Hornet spotted in a greenhouse April 14 - Ramsgate, Kent : Another hornet found in a conservatory : Another hornet found in a conservatory April 16 - Langley, Kent : An embryo nest (later destroyed) and a single hornet were discovered : An embryo nest (later destroyed) and a single hornet were discovered April 17 - Hythe, Southampton : A Yellow-legged Hornet was discovered trying to build a nest in a playhouse : A Yellow-legged Hornet was discovered trying to build a nest in a playhouse April 19 - Folkestone, Kent : A householder found a Yellow-legged Hornet in their conservatory : A householder found a Yellow-legged Hornet in their conservatory April 23 - Marchwood, Hampshire : A local bee inspector found a Yellow-legged Hornet in a National Bee Unit trap (just 200m away from the sighting on April 8) : A local bee inspector found a Yellow-legged Hornet in a National Bee Unit trap (just 200m away from the sighting on April 8) April 28 - Sandwich, Kent : A Yellow-legged Hornet was spotted foraging in a garden : A Yellow-legged Hornet was spotted foraging in a garden April 29 - Broad Oak, Kent : Another hornet was captured in a NBU trap : Another hornet was captured in a NBU trap April 30 - Nonington, Kent: A Yellow-legged Hornet flew into a house British Pest Control Association supports calls to report Yellow-legged (Asian) Hornet sightings Experts at the British Pest Control Association (BPCA) have backed calls for Brits to report sightings of the aggressive Yellow-legged Hornets. BPCA is shining a spotlight on the hornets this week (May 12 to 18) as part of Invasive Species Week, as work continues to prevent them becoming established in the UK. Readers vote Have you seen any Yellow-legged (Asian) Hornets in 2025? Yes No Unsure Vote now BPCA technical manager, Nial Gallagher, said: 'These invaders are a predator of honeybees and could disrupt our native eco-systems and impact crop production. 'Any sightings should be reported to the Non-Native Species Secretariat and we'd advise getting help from a member of the National Bee Unit or a member of the British Beekeepers Association. 'If you discover a European hornet nest, we always recommend seeking help from a BPCA member, especially if it is indoors, or in a difficult place to access. 'Anyone tempted to try a DIY treatment must be certain any product they choose is licensed for use in the UK and must always strictly adhere to the instructions on the label.' Some recent media reports have suggested that pest controllers may be able to help with yellow-legged Asian hornets Currently the only organisation with authority to track & eradicate is the National Bee Unit. All sightings should be reported using the Asian Hornet Watch app — BBKA (@britishbee) May 11, 2025 How to spot and report a Yellow-legged (Asian) Hornet There are three ways to report a possible sighting of the Yellow-legged (Asian) Hornet: Download the Asian Hornet Watch app Via the Non-Native Species website Email alertnonnative@ Mr Gallagher added: 'Since 2016 a number of sightings have been recorded in the UK, and anyone who thinks they've spotted a Yellow-legged hornet should report it as soon as possible. RECOMMENDED READING: 'The Yellow-legged hornet is smaller than our native species. It has an orange head, and its entire body is almost entirely dark. 'The abdomen has fine yellow stripes and a yellow or orange segment near the base. Their legs are dark and have yellow tips, where our native hornet has entirely dark legs. 'Yellow-legged hornets may sting, so it's important not to disturb an active nest and to seek help.' Have you seen any Yellow-legged (Asian) Hornets this year? Let us know in our poll above or the comments section below.
North Wales Chronicle
12-05-2025
- General
- North Wales Chronicle
Asian Hornet warning issued amid confirmed 2025 sightings
So far, 13 sightings of the invasive species have been recorded in 2025. Formerly known as the Asian hornet, Yellow-legged hornets are a "highly aggressive" predator of native insects and pose a "significant threat" to honeybees and other pollinators in the UK. The confirmed sightings of Yellow-legged (Asian) Hornets in 2025 (at the time of writing), according to the National Bee Unit (NBU) website, are: Experts at the British Pest Control Association (BPCA) have backed calls for Brits to report sightings of the aggressive Yellow-legged Hornets. BPCA is shining a spotlight on the hornets this week (May 12 to 18) as part of Invasive Species Week, as work continues to prevent them becoming established in the UK. BPCA technical manager, Nial Gallagher, said: 'These invaders are a predator of honeybees and could disrupt our native eco-systems and impact crop production. 'Any sightings should be reported to the Non-Native Species Secretariat and we'd advise getting help from a member of the National Bee Unit or a member of the British Beekeepers Association. 'If you discover a European hornet nest, we always recommend seeking help from a BPCA member, especially if it is indoors, or in a difficult place to access. 'Anyone tempted to try a DIY treatment must be certain any product they choose is licensed for use in the UK and must always strictly adhere to the instructions on the label.' Some recent media reports have suggested that pest controllers may be able to help with yellow-legged Asian hornets Currently the only organisation with authority to track & eradicate is the National Bee Unit. All sightings should be reported using the Asian Hornet Watch app There are three ways to report a possible sighting of the Yellow-legged (Asian) Hornet: Mr Gallagher added: 'Since 2016 a number of sightings have been recorded in the UK, and anyone who thinks they've spotted a Yellow-legged hornet should report it as soon as possible. RECOMMENDED READING: Where to find snakes in the UK including the venomous Adder and rare Smooth Snake Biting bug spotted in the UK for first time in 18 years sparks 'serious concern' 'Extremely rare' spider on the brink of extinction spotted in UK - see where 'The Yellow-legged hornet is smaller than our native species. It has an orange head, and its entire body is almost entirely dark. 'The abdomen has fine yellow stripes and a yellow or orange segment near the base. Their legs are dark and have yellow tips, where our native hornet has entirely dark legs. 'Yellow-legged hornets may sting, so it's important not to disturb an active nest and to seek help.' Have you seen any Yellow-legged (Asian) Hornets this year? Let us know in our poll above or the comments section below.
Powys County Times
12-05-2025
- General
- Powys County Times
Asian Hornet warning issued amid confirmed 2025 sightings
The Non-Native Species Secretariat and the British Beekeepers Association are calling for UK residents to report any sign of Yellow-legged (Asian) Hornets, following numerous sightings in 2025. So far, 13 sightings of the invasive species have been recorded in 2025. Formerly known as the Asian hornet, Yellow-legged hornets are a "highly aggressive" predator of native insects and pose a "significant threat" to honeybees and other pollinators in the UK. Native wild animals in the UK Confirmed sightings of Yellow-legged (Asian) Hornets in 2025 The confirmed sightings of Yellow-legged (Asian) Hornets in 2025 (at the time of writing), according to the National Bee Unit (NBU) website, are: January 23 - Oswestry, Shropshire: Single Yellow-legged Hornet found in imported shallots March 17 - Canterbury, Kent: Dead hornet found by member of the public April 8 - Marchwood, Hampshire: Yellow-legged Hornet found in a rotary washing line April 12 - Deal, Kent: Hornet flew into a conservatory April 14 - Applwdore, Kent: Single Yellow-legged Hornet spotted in a greenhouse April 14 - Ramsgate, Kent: Another hornet found in a conservatory April 16 - Langley, Kent: An embryo nest (later destroyed) and a single hornet were discovered April 17 - Hythe, Southampton: A Yellow-legged Hornet was discovered trying to build a nest in a playhouse April 19 - Folkestone, Kent: A householder found a Yellow-legged Hornet in their conservatory April 23 - Marchwood, Hampshire: A local bee inspector found a Yellow-legged Hornet in a National Bee Unit trap (just 200m away from the sighting on April 8) April 28 - Sandwich, Kent: A Yellow-legged Hornet was spotted foraging in a garden April 29 - Broad Oak, Kent: Another hornet was captured in a NBU trap April 30 - Nonington, Kent: A Yellow-legged Hornet flew into a house British Pest Control Association supports calls to report Yellow-legged (Asian) Hornet sightings Experts at the British Pest Control Association (BPCA) have backed calls for Brits to report sightings of the aggressive Yellow-legged Hornets. BPCA is shining a spotlight on the hornets this week (May 12 to 18) as part of Invasive Species Week, as work continues to prevent them becoming established in the UK. BPCA technical manager, Nial Gallagher, said: 'These invaders are a predator of honeybees and could disrupt our native eco-systems and impact crop production. 'Any sightings should be reported to the Non-Native Species Secretariat and we'd advise getting help from a member of the National Bee Unit or a member of the British Beekeepers Association. 'If you discover a European hornet nest, we always recommend seeking help from a BPCA member, especially if it is indoors, or in a difficult place to access. 'Anyone tempted to try a DIY treatment must be certain any product they choose is licensed for use in the UK and must always strictly adhere to the instructions on the label.' Some recent media reports have suggested that pest controllers may be able to help with yellow-legged Asian hornets Currently the only organisation with authority to track & eradicate is the National Bee Unit. All sightings should be reported using the Asian Hornet Watch app — BBKA (@britishbee) May 11, 2025 How to spot and report a Yellow-legged (Asian) Hornet There are three ways to report a possible sighting of the Yellow-legged (Asian) Hornet: Download the Asian Hornet Watch app Via the Non-Native Species website Email alertnonnative@ Mr Gallagher added: 'Since 2016 a number of sightings have been recorded in the UK, and anyone who thinks they've spotted a Yellow-legged hornet should report it as soon as possible. 'The Yellow-legged hornet is smaller than our native species. It has an orange head, and its entire body is almost entirely dark. 'The abdomen has fine yellow stripes and a yellow or orange segment near the base. Their legs are dark and have yellow tips, where our native hornet has entirely dark legs. 'Yellow-legged hornets may sting, so it's important not to disturb an active nest and to seek help.'
Leader Live
12-05-2025
- General
- Leader Live
Asian Hornet warning issued amid confirmed 2025 sightings
So far, 13 sightings of the invasive species have been recorded in 2025. Formerly known as the Asian hornet, Yellow-legged hornets are a "highly aggressive" predator of native insects and pose a "significant threat" to honeybees and other pollinators in the UK. The confirmed sightings of Yellow-legged (Asian) Hornets in 2025 (at the time of writing), according to the National Bee Unit (NBU) website, are: Experts at the British Pest Control Association (BPCA) have backed calls for Brits to report sightings of the aggressive Yellow-legged Hornets. BPCA is shining a spotlight on the hornets this week (May 12 to 18) as part of Invasive Species Week, as work continues to prevent them becoming established in the UK. BPCA technical manager, Nial Gallagher, said: 'These invaders are a predator of honeybees and could disrupt our native eco-systems and impact crop production. 'Any sightings should be reported to the Non-Native Species Secretariat and we'd advise getting help from a member of the National Bee Unit or a member of the British Beekeepers Association. 'If you discover a European hornet nest, we always recommend seeking help from a BPCA member, especially if it is indoors, or in a difficult place to access. 'Anyone tempted to try a DIY treatment must be certain any product they choose is licensed for use in the UK and must always strictly adhere to the instructions on the label.' Some recent media reports have suggested that pest controllers may be able to help with yellow-legged Asian hornets Currently the only organisation with authority to track & eradicate is the National Bee Unit. All sightings should be reported using the Asian Hornet Watch app There are three ways to report a possible sighting of the Yellow-legged (Asian) Hornet: Mr Gallagher added: 'Since 2016 a number of sightings have been recorded in the UK, and anyone who thinks they've spotted a Yellow-legged hornet should report it as soon as possible. RECOMMENDED READING: Where to find snakes in the UK including the venomous Adder and rare Smooth Snake Biting bug spotted in the UK for first time in 18 years sparks 'serious concern' 'Extremely rare' spider on the brink of extinction spotted in UK - see where 'The Yellow-legged hornet is smaller than our native species. It has an orange head, and its entire body is almost entirely dark. 'The abdomen has fine yellow stripes and a yellow or orange segment near the base. Their legs are dark and have yellow tips, where our native hornet has entirely dark legs. 'Yellow-legged hornets may sting, so it's important not to disturb an active nest and to seek help.' Have you seen any Yellow-legged (Asian) Hornets this year? Let us know in our poll above or the comments section below.
