In a concerning development, a dead nest belonging to the yellow-legged Asian hornet has been discovered near Wrexham, marking the first confirmed sighting of this invasive species in Wales. The Welsh government has now sprung into action, enlisting the expertise of the National Bee Unit to address this emerging threat.
The Asian hornet, also known as the yellow-legged hornet, is a non-native species that was first spotted in France in 2004. Since then, it has spread across Europe and parts of the UK, posing a significant risk to honey bees and other pollinating insects.
In response to the discovery, the Welsh government has activated its existing Asian Hornet Contingency Plan, urging the public to familiarise themselves with the appearance of this insect. Huw Irranca-Davies, the Welsh deputy first minister and secretary for rural affairs and the environment, has expressed gratitude to beekeepers and members of the public who have remained vigilant and reported suspected sightings.
The Asian hornet is active from February to November, with the peak sightings occurring from July onwards. While the insects are not generally aggressive, experts caution against approaching or disturbing their nests. The public is advised to use the Welsh government’s identification guide to distinguish the Asian hornet from similar-looking native insects.
To aid in the monitoring and control efforts, the Welsh government is asking people to log any sightings on the Asian Hornet Watch mobile app or through an online report form. Each report should include a photograph and the location of the sighting, which will be invaluable in helping the National Bee Unit track and locate the yellow-legged hornet.
“The National Bee Unit has years of experience tracking and locating yellow-legged hornets, so their expertise will be invaluable in helping us take action against the insect in Wales,” said Irranca-Davies. “I’d like to thank beekeepers and members of the public who I know remain alert and continue to report suspected sightings.”
As the Welsh government works to address this invasive threat, the public is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspected Asian hornet sightings promptly. By working together, the people of Wales can help protect their native ecosystems and the vital role of pollinating insects.
