Asian Hornets

The Asian hornet is smaller than our native hornet and poses no greater risk to human health than our native wasps and hornets. However, they do pose a risk to honey bees and insect pollinators. Therefore it is important that any sightings are reported through the Asian Hornet Watch App.

2023 saw a record number of Asian hornets found in the UK. The Animal and Plant Health Agency’s National Bee Unit attended every credible sighting, locating and destroying 72 nests in 56 locations with the majority of nests found in Kent.

There are lots of places on campus that would attractive to Asian Hornets for nesting so please take some time to familiarise yourself with what they look like.

Asian hornets are distinctive and can be identified by their very dark body, wide orange stripe on the fourth abdomen section and yellow leg ends.  Watch the video below for identification guidance.

Asian hornets are not yet established in the UK. Early trapping is a key part of the surveillance for this invasive species and fundamental to the eradication efforts.  

For more information on what they look like, the app and behaviour, check out the Government ID sheet.

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