Vigilance urged after hornet nest found near Wrexham
A dead nest of the yellow-legged hornet has been found near Wrexham, marking the first confirmed discovery of the invasive insect in Wales.
The yellow-legged hornet, also known as the Asian hornet, is not native to the UK. Originating in Asia, it was first detected in France in 2004 and has since spread across much of Europe, including Spain, Belgium, Portugal, Italy, Switzerland and Germany.
The species poses a significant risk to honey bees and other pollinating insects. Welsh Government officials are urging people to remain vigilant and to report any suspected sightings to help prevent the hornet from establishing itself more widely.
The insect was first sighted in England in 2016, with action taken every year since to locate and destroy nests.
The Welsh Government has asked the National Bee Unit, part of the Animal and Plant Health Agency, to take action in line with the Asian Hornet Contingency Plan.
Deputy First Minister with responsibility for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, said:
“The National Bee Unit has years of experience tracking and locating yellow-legged hornets so their expertise will be invaluable in helping us take action against the insect in Wales.
“I’d like to thank beekeepers and members of the public who I know remain alert and continue to report suspected sightings.
“We need everyone to become familiar with what yellow-legged hornets look like. As the weather warms up in the spring and especially on into the summer, please continue to be vigilant.”
Yellow-legged hornet queens hibernate over winter, but the insect is active from February to November and is most likely to be seen from July onwards.
The public is being encouraged to use identification guides to help distinguish the yellow-legged hornet from similar-looking native insects.
Suspected sightings should be reported using the Asian Hornet Watch mobile app or through the online reporting form, with photographs and location details included where possible.
While yellow-legged hornets are not generally aggressive, people are advised not to approach or disturb nests, as the insects may become aggressive if they feel threatened.
Medical advice about hornet stings is available via the NHS.
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