Asian hornet discovered in Gosport as efforts underway to 'stamp it out'

The National Bee Unit confirmed the sighting and efforts to detect any other Asian hornets in the area are now in motion.

The Asian hornet is smaller than the UK’s native hornet and poses no greater risk to human health than wasps and hornets.

They do pose a risk to honey bees, though, with work underway from the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) to locate any nests nearby.

It is the first confirmed UK sighting since October 2019, when two related nests were detected and destroyed near Christchurch, Dorset.

Defra’s chief plant and bee health officer Nicola Spence said: ‘By ensuring we are alerted to possible sightings as early as possible, we can take swift and effective action to stamp out the threat posed by Asian hornets.

‘That’s why we are working at speed to locate and investigate any nests in the area following this confirmed sighting.

‘While the Asian hornet poses no greater risk to human health than other wasps or hornets, we recognise the damage they can cause to honey bee colonies and other beneficial insects.

‘Please continue to look out for any Asian hornets and if you think you’ve spotted one, report your sighting through the Asian hornet app or online.’

People are being urged not to approach or disturb any nests.

‘Asian hornets are not generally aggressive towards people but an exception to this is when they perceive a threat to their nest,’ a statement from Defra said.

Anyone who thinks they have seen an Asian hornet should report this using the iPhone and Android app ‘Asian Hornet Watch’ or by emailing [email protected].

If possible a photograph of the hornet should be included.

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