Yellow-legged Asian hornet week: 1-7 September, 2025

Somerset Beekeepers Association (SBKA) is urging everyone to stay alert, get informed and be ready to report any sightings of the invasive yellow-legged Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) as part of the British Beekeepers Association’s Yellow-legged Asian Hornet Week (September 1–7).
“This year is already a record-breaker for yellow-legged Asian hornets (YLH). Their numbers have soared and there have been more sightings and nest discoveries this season than in all previous years put together,” said Master Beekeeper Lynne Ingram, SBKA Asian Hornet Team Coordinator. 
“It is predominantly Kent and East Sussex on the front line but last week nests were discovered in Cheshire and Yorkshire which shows YLH could turn up anywhere in the country.” 
YLH nests on Jersey have surged this year; the same density in Somerset would mean 14,630 nests.
“They don’t just threaten honey production, they threaten pollination, biodiversity, and our entire food system. One nest consumes around 11 kilos of insects in a single season,” added Lynne.
What to look for
The yellow-legged hornet is often confused with harmless native species. Key features of this predator are:
• Slightly smaller than the native European hornet at around 3cm
• Almost entirely dark brown or black body
• Distinctive bright yellow knee socks
• Single yellow/orange band near the tail end
• https://www.nationalbeeunit.com/diseases-and-pests/asian-hornet
Why it matters
These hornets are non-native predators that can wipe out honey bee colonies and devastate native insect populations. Unlike species with more specialised diets, they are opportunistic hunters – feeding on some 1,400 different insect species including honey bees, bumble bees, butterflies, hoverflies and beetles.
What to do if you think you’ve seen one
1. Take a clear photo from a safe distance
2. Record the location
3. Report immediately via the free Asian Hornet Watch app (iOS and Android)
Do not kill it or disturb any nests – experts will assess and respond.
Join the fight – even if none have been spotted yet
Even in regions without current sightings, vigilance is vital. A single queen can establish a nest, leading to thousands of hornets and multiple queens next season.