The Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) is a species of hornet which is not native to the UK. It is smaller than our native hornet and poses no greater risk to human health than other hornets or bees.
However, they do pose a risk to honey bees and pollinating insects. This is why we are keen to stop this insect establishing in the UK, and why you should report suspected sightings.
When a sighting is confirmed, experts from the National Bee Unit (NBU) and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) will work quickly to find and destroy any active nests in the area.
Current situation
To date, there have been nine confirmed sightings of the Asian hornet in England and five nests have been destroyed.
Seven of these sightings occurred in 2018; an individual hornet in Lancashire (April) and Hull , three in Cornwall and two in Hampshire (all September).
It is crucial you report any possible sightings so our experts can take quick and effective action to eradicate Asian hornets.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/asian-hornet-uk-sightings-in-2018
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Replies
As a beekeeper I thoroughly agree with this, learn to recognise them, report them when you see them.
They are causing a great deal of harm in the Channel Isles where several nests have been found and destroyed this year.
Away from their nests they do not bother people, but they are very defensive of their nests and become aggressive if you approach them. Those technicians who destroy nests wear some pretty serious kit to protect themselves, ordinary bee suits are not up to the job.
They hunt honey bees on the wing outside beehives, catch them, pull off the head then take the rest back to the nest to feed to young and can kill out a beehive pretty quickly.