The Somerset Beekeepers Association (SBKA) is calling on residents to remain vigilant and report any sightings of the invasive yellow-legged Asian hornet (YLH). This alert coincides with the British Beekeepers Association’s Yellow-legged Asian Hornet Week, observed from September 1 to September 7.
“This year has already set a record for yellow-legged Asian hornet sightings. Their population has skyrocketed, and the coming weeks may be our last chance to prevent this destructive predator from becoming firmly established,” warned Lynne Ingram, Master Beekeeper and Asian Hornet Team Coordinator for SBKA.
While Kent and East Sussex remain the primary hotspots, recent nest discoveries in Cheshire and Yorkshire demonstrate that the YLH can appear anywhere across the country. On Jersey, the number of nests has surged dramatically this year; applying that density to Somerset would mean approximately 14,630 nests.
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“These hornets don’t just threaten honey production; they also endanger pollination, disrupt biodiversity, and pose a risk to our entire food ecosystem. One nest alone can consume about 11 kilograms of insects over a single season,” Lynne explained.
Identifying yellow-legged Asian hornets can be tricky, as they are often mistaken for harmless native species. However, there are distinctive features that help differentiate them.
It is vital to report any sightings promptly, as these non-native predators can decimate honey bee colonies and harm native insect populations. Unlike species with more selective diets, yellow-legged Asian hornets are opportunistic hunters, preying on over 1,400 insect species including honey bees, bumble bees, butterflies, hoverflies, and beetles.
If you spot a yellow-legged Asian hornet, the SBKA advises immediate reporting to help control this invasive threat.