First Yellow-legged Asian hornets found in somerset

​Yellow-legged Asian hornets (YLH) have been discovered in Somerset for the very first time (w/c 24 August 2026), prompting a rapid response from the National Bee Unit (NBU) to prevent the invasive species becoming established in the county.

The initial hornet was spotted by a beekeeper in Ashcott and reported through the Asian Hornet Watch app. Further hornets were seen the next day, confirming that this was not an isolated arrival. Inspectors from the National Bee Unit (NBU), supported by specialist trained beekeepers from Somerset’s YLH teams, immediately began tracking the insects using both traditional methods and an electronic tagging system, which allows tagged hornets to be followed back to their nest. Bee inspectors located a small nest hidden in a dense bramble patch, which a specialist NBU team destroyed, preventing the emergence of hundreds of new queens.

Lynne Ingram, Master Beekeeper, and organiser of the Somerset Beekeepers YLH teams, said: “This is the first time yellow legged Asian hornets have ever been found in Somerset, and early reporting made all the difference. Because someone took a photo and used the Asian Hornet Watch app, the National Bee Unit - supported by our trained volunteers -  was able to act quickly and destroy the nest before new queens emerged.”

She added: “Yellow-legged Asian hornets are highly invasive and can spread fast. We want Somerset to remain a yellow-legged hornet free zone, and the public’s vigilance is absolutely essential.”

Somerset’s long standing YLH response teams
Somerset Beekeepers have been preparing for this moment for nearly a decade. Yellow-legged Asian hornet teams were first established after the very first UK YLH was discovered in North Devon in 2017. Since then:
• Many Somerset team members have travelled to Jersey, where Asian hornets are widespread, to learn nest tracking and safe handling techniques.
• Regular training exercises are run across Somerset to ensure volunteers are ready to support the National Bee Unit whenever a hornet is reported.
This long term preparation meant that trained volunteers could immediately assist NBU inspectors during this week’s successful nest tracking operation.

How to identify a yellow legged Asian hornet
Look for these key features:
• Almost entirely dark brown or black body
• Bright yellow ‘knee socks’ on the legs
• A single yellow orange band near the tail end
• Slightly smaller than the native European hornet (around 3 cm)

What to do if you spot one
Members of the public are urged to:
• Take a clear photo or video
• Report it immediately via the free Asian Hornet Watch app
• Avoid disturbing the insect or searching for the nest
Reports go directly to specialists who can assess the sighting and take action if needed.

Why this matters
Yellow-legged Asian hornets pose a serious threat to honey bees and other pollinators. Early detection is the most effective way to stop them becoming established in the UK. Somerset Beekeepers Association and the National Bee Unit are continuing to monitor the area and encourage everyone to stay alert, especially around gardens, allotments, orchards and flowering ivy.