Invasive Asian hornet populations are expected to surge across the UK as the country braces for an unusually hot year. The Met Office has forecast that 2026 could be one of the hottest on record, following an unseasonably warm spring. Experts caution that the rising temperatures may trigger heightened activity among Asian hornet queens, which are already proliferating in southern England.
Rising Numbers and Geographical Spread
Luke Newnes, an Asian hornet specialist, described 2026 as particularly concerning due to the acceleration in both sightings and geographical expansion. “We’re no longer dealing with isolated incidents along the coast,” he said. “Sightings are appearing much further inland, and many experts now believe the focus has shifted from eradication to long-term management.”
Last year, there were 544 Asian hornet sightings, with 161 nests confirmed—more than double the previous annual peak. A single nest can produce approximately 350 queens before autumn, and new queens can travel up to 50 miles before hibernation. This reproductive capacity makes eradication increasingly difficult within the UK.
Threat to Honeybees and Ecosystems
Asian hornets pose a significant risk to British honeybees, which constitute about a third of their diet, along with moths, flies, and other insects. Originally native to Southeast Asia, these hornets have thrived in warmer European climates. First sighted in the UK in 2016, they have now survived their first winter. Gardening specialists at Hillarys have identified the Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) as one of the highest-priority invasive pest threats to UK gardens.
Call for Vigilance
Newnes emphasized that the period from April to early June is critical, as queens are still operating alone before colonies expand. “This is the only realistic opportunity to disrupt nests before numbers grow significantly later in the summer,” he explained. He urged the public to remain vigilant and report sightings via the Asian hornet app, which connects to the National Bee Unit. He strongly advised against attempting to remove nests personally, as the hornets can become aggressive when disturbed.
“Homeowners should keep an eye on flowering plants, fruit trees, and areas with high bee activity, where hornets often hover while hunting pollinators,” Newnes added. “If a nest is suspected, it’s extremely important never to approach or attempt to remove it yourself. Beekeepers should regularly inspect hive entrances throughout spring as activity increases.”
