Public urged to stay alert after Asian hornet confirmed in Northern Ireland for the first time
- Love Ballymena
- Oct 13
- 2 min read
The Asian Hornet, also yellow-legged hornet
The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) has confirmed the first-ever record of an Asian hornet in Northern Ireland, following the capture of the invasive insect in Dundonald, Belfast, on 10 October.
The insect, also known as the yellow-legged hornet, was reported by a vigilant member of the public, triggering a swift response from NIEA officials.
Originating from East Asia, the Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) was first recorded in Europe in 2004. Since then, sightings and nests have increased across southern England, while two nests were also found and destroyed in Cork earlier this summer.
The species poses a serious threat to native insects and pollinators, including honeybees, wasps and hoverflies. Its aggressive feeding behaviour has raised major ecological concerns across Europe.
NIEA officials have now deployed specialist monitoring equipment, including live traps and visual surveys, to determine whether the Belfast insect was a solitary individual or part of a wider infestation.
“This is a harmful species that I do not wish to see becoming established in Northern Ireland as it presents a serious threat to both biosecurity and local ecology, particularly valuable pollinating insects,” said Andrew Muir, Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs.
“On current evidence this is a solitary Asian hornet, but a Departmental response is underway to ensure that no other Asian hornets are present. I am grateful to the Dundonald householder who captured and reported the Asian hornet and would urge the public to remain alert to the potential presence of this insect.”
The NIEA is working closely with the National Biodiversity Data Centre through the Shared Island Biosecurity and Invasive Species Initiative, drawing on experience from recent incursions in Cork and Cobh.
If further Asian hornets are detected, the NIEA will launch intensive monitoring and nest removal operations, followed by continued surveillance to ensure the species does not establish itself in Northern Ireland.
To support rapid response efforts, the NIEA published the Northern Ireland Rapid Response Contingency Plan for Asian Hornet in 2020, available via the DAERA website.
The plan is currently being reviewed alongside the Invasive Alien Species Strategy for Northern Ireland.
Public urged to report sightings
The public are being urged to report any suspected Asian hornet sightings — ideally with a photograph — using the Asian Hornet Watch app or via CEDaR’s invasive species recording site.
Officials warn that suspected nests should not be disturbed, but reported immediately.
Identification guides and further information are available online at:
