Report any sightings of Asian hornets

The Asian hornet is a highly aggressive predator of native insects, threatening our honeybees and other pollinators. If you spot any Asian hornets, you should report it.

Asian hornets pose no greater risk to humans than a bee, but they are a threat to our native honey bee. They are originally from China and the Indian subcontinent, and have been sighted sporadically in the UK since 2016. Recently, there has been a confirmed sighting in East London.

The Asian hornet is smaller than our native hornet with a darker abdomen and distinctive lower yellow legs. Nests can be found in tall trees in both urban and rural areas as well as garages and sheds, but rarely in holes in walls or in the ground.

To help protect our native honey bees, you can submit any sightings – visit Richmond’s Asian hornet sightings page to find out how to do this.