Asian Hornets in the UK: Identification, Risks and What to Do if You Spot One

The Asian hornet, also known as the yellow legged hornet (Vespa velutina), remains one of the most closely monitored invasive insect species in the UK. Since its first appearance in Britain in 2016, authorities have worked to prevent it becoming established and to protect native pollinators.

In 2025, the UK recorded 544 credible sightings and 161 confirmed Asian hornet nests. All confirmed nests were located and destroyed as part of the national eradication programme. Monitoring continues throughout 2026, with members of the public playing a vital role in reporting suspected sightings.

If you believe you have seen an Asian hornet, do not approach the nest. Instead, take a photograph from a safe distance if possible and report the sighting through the official reporting channels.

What Do Asian Hornets Look Like?

Asian hornets can be identified by several distinctive features:

• Mainly dark brown or black body
• A single broad orange or yellow band on the fourth abdominal segment
• Yellow tipped legs, giving rise to the alternative name “yellow legged hornet”
• Orange coloured face
• Slightly smaller than the native European hornet
• Reddish brown compound eyes

One of the easiest identification features is the contrast between their dark body and bright yellow lower legs. This helps distinguish them from the much larger European hornet, which has a more yellow and brown appearance overall.

For additional identification guidance and photographs, visit:
Scientific research on the invasive Vespa velutina Asian hornet

Asian Hornet vs European Hornet

Many suspected sightings turn out to be native European hornets or other harmless insects.

Feature	Asian Hornet	European Hornet
Body colour	Mostly dark brown or black	Yellow and brown
Legs	Yellow tipped	Brown to reddish
Abdomen	Single orange band	Multiple yellow bands
Size	Slightly smaller	Generally larger
Status	Invasive species	Native species

Misidentification remains common, which is why photographs are extremely helpful when reporting suspected sightings.

How Aggressive Are Asian Hornets?

Asian hornets are not generally aggressive towards people when away from their nests. However, like most social wasps and hornets, they can become defensive if they perceive their nest to be under threat.

Their sting is not considered more dangerous than that of native hornets or wasps, although anyone with a severe allergy to insect stings could experience a serious reaction requiring immediate medical attention.

If you are stung and develop symptoms such as breathing difficulties, facial swelling or signs of anaphylaxis, seek emergency medical assistance immediately.

You can also read our guide on:
How To Treat A Wasp Sting?

Why Are Asian Hornets a Concern?

The primary concern is not their threat to people but their impact on pollinators and biodiversity.

Asian hornets are highly efficient predators of:

• Honey bees
• Bumblebees
• Solitary bees
• Hoverflies
• Other beneficial insects

Workers often wait outside beehives and capture returning bees to feed their developing larvae. Large colonies can place significant pressure on local pollinator populations and may weaken or destroy honey bee colonies.

Protecting pollinators is essential for both natural ecosystems and agricultural production, which is why the UK’s response focuses on rapid detection and nest destruction.

How to Report an Asian Hornet in the UK

If you think you have spotted an Asian hornet:

1. Stay calm and keep a safe distance.
2. Do not attempt to catch, disturb or destroy the insect.
3. Take a clear photograph if it is safe to do so.
4. Record the location.
5. Report the sighting using the official reporting system.

Online reporting:
Non-native Species Alert.

You can also report sightings through the Asian Hornet Watch app, available for smartphones.

Early reporting gives specialists the best chance of locating and destroying any nearby nests before new queens disperse and establish further populations.

Should You Remove an Asian Hornet Nest Yourself?

No.

If you suspect you have found an Asian hornet nest, do not attempt to remove it yourself and do not treat it with shop bought insecticides.

The UK’s National Bee Unit and associated authorities coordinate responses to confirmed sightings and nests. Professional investigation and specialist eradication methods are used to ensure nests are dealt with safely and effectively.

Need Help With Wasps or Hornets?

While suspected Asian hornet sightings should always be reported through the official reporting channels first, Bugwise Pest Control provides professional treatment for common wasp nests, European hornets and other stinging insects across London and Essex.