Residents across the South East of England – including Essex and Southend – are being warned about an increase in “highly aggressive” Asian hornets, which pose a serious risk to the environment.
The invasive yellow-legged hornet can reportedly kill up to 50 honeybees a day, devastating colonies, damaging pollination, and threatening food production. Experts say their impact could be felt across the entire country if numbers continue to rise.
Their sting can also be dangerous to humans, particularly to those with allergies, or when multiple stings are received.
A growing threat across the region
Native to Asia, the species arrived in France in 2004 – most likely via imported containers or goods – and has spread rapidly through Europe. In the UK, the first sighting came in 2016 and have continued each year since.
In 2025, there’s already been more than 200 credible sightings across the South East by mid-August.
Kent has so far seen the highest concentration, but the hornets are thought to be moving steadily into neighbouring counties. In recent years, nests have been found in both Essex and Southend, and experts say this year’s conditions could lead to further incursions.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the National Bee Unit are actively trying to track and eradicate nests. But they stress this can only succeed with the public’s help. A spokesperson said:
“APHA’s National Bee Unit continues to take swift and effective action to stamp out the threat posed by Asian hornets as part of ongoing monitoring and surveillance work to protect our pollinators.”
Recent scientific advances offer help: researchers at the University of Southampton have identified that Asian hornets produce a unique buzz—125 Hz at about 51 dB—distinct from native insects, enabling faster detection.
A spokesperson for the British Beekeepers Association said: “Because the Asian hornet is still relatively new to the UK, early action matters. The sooner we detect new hornets, the greater the chance of preventing them from spreading.”
How to help stop them
Anyone who spots an Asian hornet should report it immediately via the Asian Hornet Watch app. Clear photos and details of the location can help authorities act quickly. The app can be downloaded here: https://bit.ly/AsianHornetApps.
The key differences between Asian and European hornets
| Feature | Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) | European hornet (Vespa crabro) |
|---|---|---|
| Colour & markings | Dark body, orange-yellow fourth abdominal segment, yellow-tipped legs, orange-faced | Yellow abdomen with brown-red thorax, brown legs, yellow head front |
| Nest characteristics | Paper nests with side exits, often high in trees | Nests may have bottom entrances, in attics, trees or sheds |
Knowing these distinctions helps residents report sightings accurately rather than dismissing harmless native hornets.