The Asian Hornet (Vespa Velutina) native to south-east Asia, were first confirmed sighting of an Asian Hornet in mainland UK was in September 2016 in Tetbyry, Gloucestershire. It is a highly effective predator of insects which can cause significant losses to bee colonies, other native species and potentially ecosystems. nificant threat to native bee population and the wider environment.
We have detailed below a list of useful links to enable you to find out more detailed information from the official sites:
- Asian Hornet Action Team. http://ahat.org.uk/
- Asian Hornet Action Team Contacts. http://ahat.org.uk/team-contact-list/
- Asian Hornet Action Team Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/591487971204544/
- APHA Asian Hornet Information YouTube channel.
Asian Hornet Watch app.
What to do if you think you have a possible sighting of a Asian Hornet?
The quickest and best way to identify and report a possible sighting is to use the Asian Hornet Watch app which has been designed to record and help the early detection of Asian Hornets.
You can download it free of charge from GooglePlay or iTunes.
Alternatively, if you believe to have found an Asian Hornet you can report it to the Non Native Species Secretariat (NNSS) using their online portal below.
https://irecord.org.uk/enter-non-native-records
Please take a look at the identification charts and familiarise yourself with the differences between the Asian Hornet and the European Hornets.
You can also make a report to the National Bee Unit (NBU) www.nationalbeeunit.com who will also be interested in your report.
A simple Asian hornet monitoring trap MK1
Asian Hornet Monitoring Trap MK2