Beekeepers urge UK campaign against Asian

British beekeepers are calling for a national awareness campaign, warning that invasive Asian hornets are creating 'pollinator deserts' and threatening food security. The yellow-legged hornet, native to south-east Asia, is thought to have arrived in Europe in 2004 and its spread is likely boosted by warmer springs and summers.

Kate Wilson, head of the government's National Bee Unit (NBU), stated that these hornets cause significant damage to native pollinators, including honeybees. Lucie Chaumeton, a trustee of the British Beekeepers Association (BBKA), emphasized the broader cost, noting impacts on human safety, pollination, and biodiversity.

The strategy of nest destruction

The UK's strategy focuses on destroying nests to prevent the hornets from becoming established. Missing a single nest risks sustaining an established colony and enabling new ones. The number of nests found indicates the strategy's intensity; the NBU destroyed a record 161 nests in 2025.

Despite these efforts, there is evidence the species is establishing itself. Genetic analysis of nests found in 2024 confirmed that queens had successfully mated, survived winter, and founded new nests the following year. This makes the period when queens emerge from hibernation a critical time for intervention.

Public and volunteer role is critical

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (Apha) says the public and beekeepers play a key role. Public reports help identify suspected hornets, while BBKA volunteer teams help confirm sightings, track nests, and conduct spring queen-trapping. The NBU is then responsible for nest destruction.

"The National Bee Unit’s response is extremely effective," said Chaumeton. "But this relies entirely on members of the public reporting sightings." The scale of participation is significant. In 2024, nearly 30,000 reports led to the identification of 24 nests. Modelling suggests public reporting is essential for control, with eradication depending on how quickly new incursions are detected.

Calls for broader recognition and resources

Chaumeton argues the threat is still seen as a 'beekeeping issue' rather than a national biodiversity crisis. "Beekeepers cannot do this on their own," she said. "We urgently need more government-led national awareness campaigns so everyone in the country understands the threat."

Apha is testing technology to improve capacity. In 2025, it trialled radio transmitters attached to hornets to locate nests. Researchers are also testing VespAI, an artificial intelligence system for visual identification.

The current volunteer-based system faces scaling challenges given the number of nests found. Chaumeton called for a clear multi-year government commitment to continue eradication efforts. Wilson encouraged the public to remain vigilant and report potential sightings using the Asian Hornet Watch app and online resources.