How to get rid of giant Asian hornets and what to do if you find a nest

AS the summer months approach, the possibility of an invasion of giant Asian hornets looms.

With the insects being a bother to many Brits and the environment during the season, here is what to do when you spot them.

Alamy Giant Asian hornets could kill and cost the UK £7.6million in environmental damages[/caption]

PA:Press Association The UK is working to stop the spread of the Asian hornets[/caption]

Where do Asian hornets nest?

Asian hornets typically build their nests suspended in trees or open spacious areas.

Much like the European hornet, they build their nests using regurgitated woody material, similar to paper mâché.

The nest is usually egg-shaped and around half a meter long with entrances around the sides and bottom.

The Asian hornet nest is estimated to release between 180-500 queens, which is why they’re so hard to control.

What to do if you see an Asian hornet nest?

If you spot an Asian hornet, do not run as they are fast flyers and are provoked by moving targets.

You must not disturb or approach giant hornets or their nest as this can be seen as a sign of provocation.

The government has advised they must be reported if spotted using the Asian Hornet Watch App available on Apple and android.

Also, you can help get rid of them by filling out an online report form or by emailing [email protected].

After confirmation, experts will work to get rid of them.

Are Asian hornets aggressive?

The giant Asian hornet is the largest in the world and is native to south-east Asia.

Often, they are confused with European hornets, as they are similar in appearance.

They arrived in the UK in 2016 after France was accidentally exposed to them in 2004.

A single sting from them could be fatal to people who are allergic to their venom.

Multiple stings at one time to any human can also be fatal.

Asian hornets are not only a bother to terrified humans, experts have recently warned that they can cost the UK up to £7.6million in environmental damages every year.

The government has said it is keen to stop the spread of the insects because of the risks they pose to honeybees and the environment.

PA:Press Association Nests must only be handled by experts as provoking the Asian hornet can be dangerous[/caption]

Can Asian hornets survive in the UK?

Yes, they can.

Asian hornets were first recorded in the UK in 2016 in Gloucestershire.

Since then, members of the public and beekeepers have found and identified 43 Asian hornet nests in the UK.

In 2023, there were more confirmed UK sightings of the Asian hornet than there were in previous years combined.

Although they have become established in the UK, there is still no evidence to suggest that they can survive the British winters.

Should I report a hornet nest?

Being able to spot an Asian hornet’s nest is vital.

“This looks very similar to a wasp nest and starts off about the size of a tennis ball and grows throughout the spring/summer,” according to the British Beekeepers Association.

It is essential not to approach or try to handle a nest as this can trigger a group attack which can be fatal.

“If you find a nest, don’t try to remove it yourself – it can be dangerous and should only be done by experts.

“When a sighting is confirmed, experts from the National Bee Unit (NBU) and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) will work quickly to find and destroy any active nests in the area,” according to a government statement.

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