Information here provided courtesy of The British Beekeepers Association
The Yellow-Legged Asian Hornet, formerly known just as the Asian Hornet, is a highly aggressive non-native predator which poses a significant threat to honey bees and other pollinators in the UK. Numbers of the destructive insect rose rapidly in 2023 and more were detected in the UK than in the previous six years combined. 2025 has seen a further increase in reported Yellow Legged Asian Hornet sightings, capture and nest destructions.
If you spot a Yellow-Legged Asian Hornet or a nest please report it immediately.
It is crucial all possible sightings are reported so experts can take quick and effective action to eradicate Yellow-Legged Asian Hornets.
Martin Barrett is our Branch local coordinator for dealing with sightings of the Yello-Legged Asian Hornet.
Contact him on 07403 119 207 / barrwoodapiary@sevenoaksbeekeepers.org.uk or report any sightings of the insect or nests using the Asian Hornet Watch App or web site, details shown below.
UK Sightings
The first Yellow-Legged Asian Hornet in the UK was discovered in 2016. Between 2016 and 2022 there have been 23 confirmed sightings in the UK including 14 nests. In 2023 there were 72 Asian Hornet nests found in 56 locations. 24 nests were found in 2024 but 161 nests confirmed in 2025 with 544 reported hornet sightings.
A rolling update is provided by the National Bee Unit for 2025 sightings.
Full details of all confirmed sightings can be found on Defra’s Asian Hornet sightings page
It is crucial all possible sightings are reported so experts can take quick and effective action to eradicate Yellow-Legged Asian Hornets.
Identification
This is a Yellow-Legged Asian Hornet:
See the BBKA identification page for further information and details of other insects which are often confused with the Yellow-Legged Asian Hornet.
