2025 already the highest number of sightings of this invasive apex predator.
Surrey Beekeepers Association is urging everyone across Surrey to stay alert, better familiarise themselves with recognising and be ready to report any sightings of the invasive yellow-legged (Asian) hornet (Vespa Velutina).
Why it matters
The yellow-legged hornet (YLH) is a non-native predator that can wipe out honey bee colonies and devastate native insect populations. Unlike species with more specialised diets, they are opportunistic hunters – feeding on some 1,400 different insect species including honey bees, bumble bees, butterflies, hoverflies and beetles. A single YLH nest can consume 11kg of native insects in a season, seriously impacting native biodiversity.
Surrey Beekeepers are concerned the YLH could appear anywhere in the county.
The Public are asked to look for
The yellow-legged hornet is often confused with harmless native species. Key features of YLH are:
- Slightly smaller than the native European hornet at around 3cm
- Almost entirely dark brown or black body
- Distinctive bright yellow ends of legs, appears to wear yellow knee socks
- Single yellow/orange band near the tail end
- https://www.nationalbeeunit.com/diseases-and-pests/asian-hornet
“This year is already a record-breaker for yellow-legged Asian hornets (YLH). Their numbers have soared and there have been more sightings and nest discoveries this season than 2023, the last “surge” year for this invader,” said Helen Worwood, Surrey YLH Coordinator.
“Sightings and nests found so far have been predominantly in Kent and Sussex but sightings have been moving westwards and with the National Bee Unit (NBU) confirming destruction of a nest in Holmbury St. Mary this week, the threat is getting closer.
What to do if you think you’ve seen a yellow-legged Hornet
- Take a clear photo from a safe distance
- Record the location ( WhatThreeWords or an address and postcode)
- Report immediately via the free Asian Hornet Watch app (iOS and Android)
- Do not kill it or disturb any nests – experts will assess and respond.
Join the fight back – even if none have been spotted near you
Even in regions without current sightings, vigilance is vital. A single queen can establish a nest, leading to thousands of hornets and multiple queens next season.
To find out more or join a local monitoring team, email Helen on YLHlead@EpsomBeekeepers.co.uk.
© Crown copyright Julia Hoggard (APHA)