Two Asian Hornet nests destroyed in UK this year
YELLOW-legged hornets (YLH), also known as Asian hornets, have been reported in the UK again this year – and members of the public are urged to be vigilant.
As of last Friday (May 16, 2025) 19 credible yellow-legged hornet sightings had been reported and two nests were destroyed.
Here are some simple things of which members of the public should be aware:
1) Know how to ID an Asian Hornet, and why it’s important that the British Beekeepers Association (BKA) find all the nests. They can only find the nests by finding hornets – https://www.bbka.org.uk/identify-asian-hornet.
Do not disturb an active nest.
Each Asian hornet can eat 300 bees a day. They will decimate honey bee colonies very quickly.
2) Download the Asian Hornet Watch app. It’s got plenty of photos of Asian Hornets and other insects that are commonly confused with them. The app is available for iPhone and Android.
3) Make a trap. It doesn’t need to be complicated like the National Bee Unit (NBU) traps, a simpler trap like the one on the Big Wasp Survey website will do – https://www.bigwaspsurvey.org/taking-part/#1-2-making-your-traps
A simple roof can be added for it to remain effective for longer rather than filling up with rain.
4) Monitor the trap and check it regularly for Asian hornets, then report any sightings via the Asian Hornet Watch app.
Alternatively, report on-line at or by e-mail to: alertnonnative@ceh.au.uk
21st May 2025