In 2023, there were 65 confirmed sightings of the yellow-legged hornet in the UK, and 41 sightings were registered in 2024.
The UK has reported its earliest-ever sighting of the Asian hornet. The insect was found on January 24 in Oswestry, Shropshire, much further north than its usual sightings in the UK.
These hornets have mostly been seen in the UK in the late summer with the earliest sighting occuring no earlier than mid-March. The discovery of the hornet in January has raised concerns that the invasive species may now be able to survive bitterly cold British winters, potentially allowing them to establish a more permanent presence in the UK. While sightings have primarily occurred in Kent, DNA analysis last year suggested that these hornets could now live in colder weather.
First discovered in the UK in 2016, these hornets pose a significant threat to the UK's wildlife as it is a danger to pollinators and is an invasive species.
The yellow-legged hornet which was accidentally introduced to the UK is a threat particularly to honey bees, as it can consume up to 50 bees per day.
According to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, there have been 147 confirmed sightings of yellow-legged hornets in the UK since 2016, including 110 nests that have been destroyed.
In 2025, two sightings have been confirmed so far: one in Oswestry, Shropshire on January 24, and another in Canterbury, Kent on March 20.
Kate Wilson, Head of the Animal & Plant Health Agency’s National Bee Unit, said: "Yellow-legged hornets cause significant damage to native pollinators, including our much-loved honey bees. That’s why APHA’s National Bee Unit continues to take swift and effective action to stamp out the threat posed by yellow-legged hornets, all as part of ongoing monitoring and surveillance work to protect our pollinators.
"Thanks to increasing reports to the Asian Hornet Watch app and online, it is not unexpected that sightings may occur earlier in the year. We encourage the public to remain vigilant and continue to report any potential sightings to us."
In 2023, there were 65 confirmed sightings of the yellow-legged hornet in the UK, and 41 sightings were registered in 2024.
Although most of the sightings have been concentrated in Kent, the hornet has also been spotted as far north as Newcastle in April 2023 and its first sighting for 2025 was in the West Midlands.
Smaller than the native European hornet (Vespa crabro), the yellow-legged hornet measures about 25mm in length and can be identified by the yellow band on the fourth segment of its abdomen, yellow legs, and an orange face.
The Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs has been actively monitoring and eradicating hornet nests.
