Asian Hornet Warning Issued After First Nest Found in Somerset
Residents in Somerset are being urged to remain alert after an Asian hornet nest was discovered in the county for the first time. The discovery has raised concerns about the spread of the invasive species across England and the potential impact it could have on native insects, including honeybees and other pollinators.
The nest was found in woodland near Ashcott, close to Street, after a local beekeeper noticed an Asian hornet near his beehives. The sighting was reported to the relevant local response team, which began tracking the insect.
Specialists were able to tag the hornet and follow its movements. This led them to a nest hidden inside a bramble patch in a woodland clearing. The nest was subsequently destroyed as part of efforts to prevent the insects from reproducing and establishing a wider population in the area.
The Somerset discovery is particularly significant because it represents the first confirmed Asian hornet nest recorded in the county.
Asian Hornet Numbers Continue to Rise
The discovery in Somerset comes amid continued efforts to control Asian hornets across England.
According to figures reported in connection with the latest discovery, 53 Asian hornet nests have been identified in England so far this year. That compares with 163 nests found during 2025.
Although many sightings have historically been concentrated in southern and south-eastern parts of England, the Somerset discovery highlights the possibility that the species could continue expanding into new areas.
Lynne Ingram, head of Somerset's Asian Hornet Action Team, said the hope was that the newly discovered nest would be the county's first and last.
She also stressed the importance of finding nests before queen hornets have the opportunity to mate and enter hibernation. This period is considered particularly important for controlling the spread of the invasive insect.
If new queens survive the winter, they can establish colonies during the following year, potentially increasing the number of nests significantly.
Why Are Asian Hornets a Concern?
Asian hornets, also known as yellow-legged hornets, are an invasive species originating from Southeast Asia. They are considered a serious threat because they prey on a wide range of insects.
Their diet can include honeybees, bumblebees, butterflies and other insects that play important roles in ecosystems.
The potential impact extends beyond individual bee colonies. Insects form an important part of the food chain, providing food for birds and other wildlife. A significant reduction in insect numbers can therefore have wider ecological consequences.
Asian hornets are also known for their ability to reproduce rapidly. Removing nests before new queens emerge is therefore an important part of efforts to prevent the species from becoming permanently established in new locations.
Experts have previously warned that allowing nests to survive could lead to a substantial increase in colonies in subsequent years.
How to Identify an Asian Hornet
Members of the public are being encouraged to learn how to distinguish Asian hornets from other insects commonly found in the UK.
The Asian hornet has several distinctive features. It generally has:
- Bright yellow legs
- A predominantly dark or black body
- An orange-coloured band on its abdomen
- An orange or yellow-orange face
Because some native insects can look similar, people should avoid approaching or attempting to deal with a suspected Asian hornet themselves.
Instead, photographs and sightings should be reported through the appropriate official reporting channels so trained teams can investigate.
Public Asked to Report Sightings
Local experts say public involvement is essential to controlling the spread of Asian hornets.
Lynne Ingram has urged people to take photographs when they believe they have seen an Asian hornet and report the sighting. Specialist teams can then investigate the location and determine whether further action is necessary.
Early reporting can make a major difference because finding a nest before queens emerge gives eradication teams a better opportunity to prevent the establishment of new colonies.
People should not attempt to destroy a nest themselves. Asian hornets can become defensive when their nest is threatened, and their sting can be painful. Anyone who suspects they have found a nest should keep their distance and report it.
From France to the UK
The Asian hornet's expansion across Europe demonstrates why authorities are taking the Somerset discovery seriously.
The species is believed to have reached France in the early 2000s after being transported in a shipment of Chinese pottery. It subsequently spread through large parts of continental Europe.
Asian hornets are now established in several European countries, including France, Spain, Belgium and the Netherlands. They have also reached the Channel Islands and parts of southern England.
The experience of other European countries has provided an important warning about how quickly the species can expand when it becomes established.
The Asian hornet was first detected in the UK in 2016. Since then, sightings have occurred repeatedly, with Kent and East Sussex among the areas that have recorded significant activity.
Threat to Bees and Biodiversity
One of the biggest concerns surrounding Asian hornets is their impact on honeybees.
The insects can hunt around beehives and capture bees as prey. This can place additional pressure on colonies that are already affected by disease, habitat loss, changing weather conditions and other environmental challenges.
Asian hornets are not exclusively dependent on honeybees, however. They consume many types of insects, which means their potential environmental impact is much broader.
Experts have warned that the species could affect insects that are important to birds, other wildlife and agricultural ecosystems.
The threat is therefore not simply a concern for beekeepers. It has implications for biodiversity and the wider environment.
Why Early Action Matters
The Somerset nest demonstrates the importance of rapid reporting and coordinated action.
Once a suspected hornet has been located, specialist teams can use tracking techniques to determine where it came from. This approach was instrumental in locating the nest near Ashcott.
Destroying a nest before reproductive queens emerge can help reduce the risk of new colonies being formed.
Mark White of the East Dorset Beekeepers Association has previously warned that Asian hornet numbers were increasing rapidly in southern parts of England. He has also argued that the issue should be viewed as a wider environmental concern rather than something affecting beekeepers alone.
The spread of invasive species can be difficult to reverse once populations become firmly established. For this reason, monitoring and early intervention remain central to efforts to control Asian hornets in Britain.
What Should You Do If You See an Asian Hornet?
If you think you have spotted an Asian hornet, experts recommend keeping a safe distance and avoiding any attempt to catch or kill the insect.
Where it is safe to do so, take a clear photograph and report the sighting using the official Asian Hornet Watch reporting system or app.
If a nest is visible, do not approach it. Asian hornet nests can contain large numbers of insects, and disturbing them could increase the risk of stings.
The Somerset discovery serves as a reminder that vigilance is important even outside areas where Asian hornets have previously been commonly reported.
As the species continues to spread across parts of Europe and appears in new areas of England, members of the public have an increasingly important role in identifying possible sightings quickly.
For Somerset residents, the discovery of the first confirmed nest is a significant development. Local response teams will now be hoping that rapid intervention has prevented the insects from establishing a lasting population in the county.
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Source
The Independent on 7 September 2026.
Disclaimer
This article is provided for general news and informational purposes. Figures, statements and developments are based on the source material available at the time of writing and may change as new information becomes available. Readers should consult official government or environmental authorities for the latest guidance on identifying and reporting Asian hornets. This article does not replace official public safety or environmental advice.