Asian Hornet | Cumbria

Asian Hornet - Vespa Velutina

The Threat They Pose?
"Asian hornets are a non-native invasive predator of medium to large insects. They pose a serious threat to our native pollinators and, throughout the summer, honey bees can make up a substantial part of their diet as they build their nests up to several thousand individuals."

Animal and Plant Health Agency, DEFRA, UK GOV

Asian Hornet

Vespa velutina

significant threat to honeybees, pollinators, our fruit crop and people

European Hornet

Vespa crabro

part of our natural eco-system - harmless if left alone

Common Wasp

Vespula vulgaris

irritating around people, however part of the natural eco-system

Giant Woodwasp

Urocerus gigas

Harmless member of our woodland eco-system

Asian Hornets in Europe?
Asian hornet, is native to Asia and was confirmed for the first time in the South West of France in 2004. It was thought to have been imported in a consignment of pottery from China. As of December 2022, Asian hornet is established in Spain, Belgium, Netherlands, Portugal, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Jersey and now the South of England.

Asian Hornets in the UK? The Asian hornet was discovered in the UK for the first time, in 2016. In subsequent years there have been further sightings with action taken to find and destroy nests. In 2023 there were 72 Asian hornet nests found in 56 locations, the AH will soon be considered as "uncontained" in the South of England. This means it will now spread with some forecasts estimating complete UK coverage to be by 2027/8. There has already been a sighting in 2024.

Asian Hornets - Danger?

The hornet preys on a wide range of insects and pollinators, including honeybees, and disrupts the ecological role they provide in respect of fruit production. It has also altered the biodiversity in regions of France where it is present and demonstrates aggressive behaviour with a painful sting which can be a severe health risk to those who have allergies to hornet or wasp stings.

Sightings in UK since 2016

What Action Is Being Taken?

In coordination with the National Bee Unit, of the APHA of DEFRA, the British Beekeepers' Association is developing Asian Hornet Teams around the country to help identify, report and track sightings of Asian Hornets. These teams are in various stages of development and their coordinators can be found on the map to the right. Associations throughout Cumbria are collaborating to provide a response group, the Cumbria Asian Hornet Action Team.