NIEA urges vigilance following sighting of Asian hornet in Cork
- Love Ballymena
- Aug 18
- 2 min read
The invasive Asian Hornet
Members of the public are being urged to remain vigilant following a confirmed sighting of the invasive Asian hornet in the Cork area.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), part of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, in the Republic of Ireland, has confirmed that the hornet was captured after being sighted, marking only the second confirmed record of this species in the country.
The Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) is a voracious predator of honeybees, wasps, and other vital pollinators such as hoverflies.
Due to the size of its colonies, which can number up to 10,000 individuals in a single season, the insect poses a significant threat to native insect populations and broader pollination networks.
A spokesperson for the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) emphasised the importance of precaution, stating:
“This recent sighting acts as a timely reminder of the potential for the Asian hornet to reach Northern Ireland. While there have been no confirmed sightings in Northern Ireland to date, a precautionary approach is essential here.
“Members of the public and local beekeepers are asked to remain vigilant for sightings of the Asian hornet. Early detection and nest destruction are critical to achieving eradication following any confirmed sighting.”
The NIEA is working alongside NPWS and the National Biodiversity Data Centre as part of the All-Island Biosecurity and Invasive Species Initiative to monitor and respond to the threat.
To support rapid intervention in Northern Ireland, the NIEA has published the Northern Ireland Rapid Response Contingency Plan for Asian Hornet, which is available online.
Suspected sightings should be reported immediately, alongside a photograph, using the Asian Hornet Watch app or through CEDaR online recording. The NIEA cautions against disturbing or attempting to remove any nests personally.
For those seeking to identify the Asian hornet, official guides and resources are available from:
The public’s cooperation is crucial in preventing the establishment of this invasive species and protecting Ireland’s native biodiversity.
