Should I be worried about Asian hornets coming to Northern Ireland?
That’s the question many are asking after the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) confirmed the first sighting of the species in Dundonald on Monday. Further sightings of the species were confirmed two days later, and a nest was identified and removed in the same location on Saturday.
Environment Minister Andrew Muir urged the public to “remain vigilant” because “there could be more out there”.
Asian hornets pose no greater threat to humans than native hornets, but they pose a greater threat to native insects and are of concern to beekeepers and environmentalists.
Why are Asian hornets a concern?
Tom Williamson, Northern Ireland’s former chief bee inspector, said if the nest releases the queens it could be “worrying” next spring.
A single Asian hornet nest can produce up to 350 queens (future queens).
If a captured nestling had already released its gynae, some may have mated before going into hibernation.
When next spring comes, the living ones will survive and start building new nests.
What do Asian hornets eat?
Asian hornets feed on more than 1,000 species.
Dr Archie Murchie, senior scientist at the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI), said Asian hornets preferred bees, but also many other insect and spider species.
He told the BBC’s Good Morning Ulster that the insects in Northern Ireland “don’t have the same protection as the hornet’s natural prey in South-East Asia”.
NIEA’s head of biodiversity and wildlife, Richard Gray, said the “aggressive predator” could have nests with “up to 8,000 individual hornets or hornets”.
Everyone in the hive needs to feed, and an Asian hornet can eat up to 50 bees a day.
Asian hornets feed on more than 1,000 species. [Getty Images]
How do Asian hornets affect bees?
Asian hornets exhibit predatory behavior, including loitering when hovering near hives.
Mr Williamson, County Armagh beekeeper, said this behavior usually occurs in mid to late summer and can prevent bees from foraging, causing them to starve.
“Beekeepers are worried, and rightly so, because until he starts hawking the hives, the bees would be sitting around the hives and not going in and out,” he said.
“So they won’t get honey and they won’t pollinate.”
“If bees can’t participate in the pollination of many hedgerows and trees that may not be cultivated by humans, the environment will suffer, but they are a good source for other birds and insects.”
Valentine Hodges is Chairman of the Ulster Beekeepers Association [BBC]
What can be done to control the Asian hornet threat?
Valentine Hodges, a beekeeper in County Down and chairman of the Ulster Beekeepers’ Association (UBKA), is “deeply concerned” about the invasive species.
She said it would have a “major impact on biodiversity and pollinator services” and raised concerns about the lack of bee inspections in Northern Ireland.
In England, bee inspectors played their part in the fight against Asian hornets.
“A bee inspector with some experience, training and knowledge of this would be very helpful,” Mr Williamson said.
He said a trained bee inspector “could make a big difference in finding nests quickly and efficiently and passing them on to teams to destroy the nest”.
Bee inspectors are responsible for maintaining the health of bees.
In April, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) announced that recruitment was underway. An update has been requested.
What about sockets in public places?
Asian hornet nests are often found in hedgerows or close to the ground [Getty Images]
Mr Williamson also raised concerns about Asian hornets nesting in public areas.
“Once they become established, the level of danger to the public if they disturb the nest.
Asian hornet nests are often found in hedgerows or close to the ground.
“If you don’t know they’re there and you disturb them, you’re in great danger because they will defend their nests tenaciously,” he added.
What actions are taken?
After the initial sighting, live traps were used to monitor Asian hornet activity.
After further confirmed observations, track and trace techniques were used to locate and remove the nest.
The NIEA said ongoing monitoring would continue to ensure that hornets are no longer in the area.
Brian Grzymek, UBKA vice-chairman and chairman of the All-Ireland Beekeepers Action Group, has been working on a contingency plan for Asian hornets since April.
As a result of the work, Mr Grzymek said Northern Ireland was “pretty well prepared” for the arrival of the insects.
He said the NI contingency plan was currently being updated and a draft plan would be shared with the UBKA.
About 2 cm long, the insect feeds on more than 1,000 species [Getty Images]
How can the Asian hornet survive in NI?
The species could have entered by natural spread or by hitchhiking on imported goods.
Dr Archie Murchie told BBC News NI that Northern Ireland’s climate is at the “borderline” for Asian hornets, as it is generally colder and wetter.
However, in 2024 DNA analysis has confirmed that an Asian hornet has survived its first winter in the UK.
What to do if you see an Asian hornet?
If you spot an Asian hornet, take a photo and upload it to the Asian Hornet Watch app.
The insect is about 2 cm long, usually black and brown in color with an orange face, orange tail and yellow legs.
Mr. Grzymek advises the public not to use traps unless you are advised to do so as a beekeeper.
“If you set traps haphazardly, you’re likely to kill quite a few pollinators, the insects we want.”
Traps can make tracking difficult because hornets can feed from multiple sources and not return to the same one.