​First yellow-legged Asian hornets discovered in Somerset - nest DESTROYED

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.

Yellow-legged Asian hornet week
The British Beekeepers’ Association is calling on the public to stay alert for yellow legged Asian hornets during Yellow Legged Asian Hornet Week, running from 7–13 September 2026. 
Ends
Notes for editors:
Yellow-legged Asian hornet week 7-13 September 2026 is run by the BBKA and supported by the National Bee Unit

Yellow-legged Asian hornet: key facts
• Species: Yellow-legged Asian hornet (Vespa velutina nigrithorax, YLH)
• Status in the UK: Invasive predator; subject to national eradication efforts
• Threat to pollinators: Preys heavily on honey bees, bumblebees, hoverflies and other insects
• Identification:
o Bright yellow legs tips
o Dark body with a single orange band
o Orange face 
o Smaller than the native European hornet
• Nesting habits: Builds large paper nests, often high in trees but also in hedges, buildings or outbuildings
• Behaviour: Highly efficient hunter; hovers outside hives to capture returning bees (“hawking”)
• Risk to humans: Not aggressive unless provoked; stings can be painful and, in rare cases, even fatal
• UK impact: Rising incursions in recent years; early detection is essential
• Reporting: Suspected sightings must be reported via the Asian Hornet Watch app
• Do not: Approach nests, disturb hornets, or attempt to capture them
• First UK sighting:  North Devon, September 2017.
Yellow-legged hornet 2026 rolling update 

About Somerset Beekeepers Association
• Somerset Beekeepers Association (SBKA) CIO Charity was originally set up in 1906. It's charitable purpose is:
• "to advance the education of the public and beekeepers in the craft of beekeeping and to promote the importance of bees in the environment" 
• SBKA has around 1,250 members and is made up of 12 branches. The volunteer-run organisation is governed by its trustees who are elected by the membership who are all members of its branches. The SBKA Charity is affiliated to the British Beekeepers Association.
• We provide training, promote best practice and offer advice, support and education to beekeepers and the public.
• Over the years our members have made – and continue to make - an impressive contribution to British beekeeping at both national and county level.
• We are the voice of Somerset’s beekeepers and honey bees!
https://www.somersetbeekeepers.org.uk