The UK is on high alert for an invasion of Asian hornets, with sightings increasing by 3,800% last year. There were only two reported encounters in 2022, but this skyrocketed to 78 in 2023. The insects, first spotted in the UK in 2016, are listed as an invasive species of concern across Europe.
Asian hornets pose a serious threat to honey bees, capable of killing up to 50 in one sitting and obliterating entire beehives within hours. While their venom is no more dangerous to humans than that of regular bees and wasps, according to Defra, the hornets are highly aggressive when disturbed. Kent beekeeper Simon Spratley warned: 'If you go within 50 metres, they become hyper aggressive and will come out as a swarm of thousands to ward you off. You won't be able to outrun them.'
The mild winter has increased survival rates for hornet queens. Spratley noted that typically 90% of queens die in winter, but with only one night below -5°C this year, up to 90% may survive. An Asian hornet queen was captured in Kent last month, considerably earlier than the first sighting in 2023. Diane Drinkwater, chair of the British Beekeepers' Association, said: 'I suspect this is a winter queen that was born here. That has not been confirmed, but that would be logical.'
Asian hornets measure up to 35mm and have dark abdomens with thin orange stripes, distinguishing them from European species with yellow abdomens. Brits are urged to report any sightings to Defra to help control the spread.
