BeeBase News
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Asian Hornet 2024 Rolling update
24/12/2024
This is a final update on the Animal and Plant Health Agency’s National Bee Unit’s (NBU) work against Yellow-legged-hornet (YLH) also known as Asian hornet for 2024.
Since our last update, no further nests have been located, bringing the total to 24 nests found in 2024.
Results from laboratory analyses have now concluded and indicate two of the nests found in 2024 (Coldred, Kent and Udimore in East Sussex) are likely to have been produced by queens released from nests found and destroyed in late 2023 (Alkham, Kent and Four Oaks/Rye in East Sussex respectively). This is not wholly unexpected following the capture of foundress queens also thought to be related to these nests in the Spring.
These findings are not considered to be strong evidence of an established population. Defra will continue to follow an eradication strategy against YLH in 2025.
Please report sightings of Yellow-Legged-Hornets (YLH) also known as Asian hornets on this online form or use the free Asian hornet Watch app for Apple devices android devices.
As of 19/11/2024:
71 credible Yellow-legged hornet sightings have been reported in the UK in 2024.
24 nests have been found.
Click here to view the most recent sightings
To view the location of destroyed nests, please visit the map page and choose the Asian Hornet map layer.
Yellow-legged hornet sighting information in the UK during 2024:
Sighting Photo Grid Ref: Date initial sighting Date confirmed by Lab. Location County Reported by Sighting/ Nest Other information Date nest destroyed 1 Link to Image TQ81 17/01/2024 No sample Westfield East Sussex Member of Public Unconfirmed single hornet Footwell of car - 2 Link to Image TR25 08/03/2024 11 March Ash Kent Member of Public Single Hornet Hibernating in a plant pot - 3 Link to Image SD52 19/03/2024 No sample Preston Lancashire Member of Public Unconfirmed single hornet Warehouse - 4 Link to Image TQ59 21/03/2024 22/3/2024 Romford Greater London Beekeeper Single hornet worker Dead insect on floor of workshop - 5 Link to Image TR24 8/4/2024 No sample Ferry English Channel Member of the public Unconfirmed single hornet - - 6 TR23 7/4/2024 No sample Folkestone Kent Member of the public Unconfirmed single hornet - - 7 Link to Image TQ82 13/4/2024 16/4/2024 Four Oaks East Sussex Inspector Single hornet NBU spring monitoring 8 Link to Image TQ82 22/4/2024 24/4/2024 Four Oaks East Sussex Inspector Single hornet NBU spring monitoring 9 Link to Image TQ82 24/4/2024 25/4/2024 Four Oaks East Sussex Inspector Single hornet NBU spring monitoring 10 Link to Image TR13 5/5/2024 10/5/2024 Lympne Kent Member of the public Single hornet Found in conservatory 11 Link to Image TQ82 10/5/2024 13/05/2024 Four Oaks East Sussex Inspector Single hornet NBU spring monitoring 12 TQ82 10/5/2024 13/05/2024 Four Oaks East Sussex Inspector Single hornet NBU spring monitoring second site 13 Link to Image TQ82 18/5/2024 21/05/2024 Four Oaks East Sussex Inspector Single hornet NBU spring monitoring 14 TR13 15/05/2024 17/05/2024 Etching Hill Kent Member of the public Single hornet 15 Link to Image TR24 15/5/2024 17/05/204 Denton Kent Beekeeper Single hornet AHT spring monitoring 16 Link to Image TR24 20/05/2024 22/05/2024 Alkham Kent Member of the public Single hornet 17 TQ82 20/05/2024 22/05/2024 Four Oaks East Sussex Inspector Single hornet NBU spring monitoring 18 Link to Image TR25 21/05/2024 24/05/2024 Barham near Canterbury Kent Member of the public Single hornet and primary nest Roof near road 21/05/2024 19 Link to Image TR34 21/05/2024 24/05/2024 St Margaret's Bay Kent Inspector Single hornet NBU spring monitoring 20 TR13 23/05/2024 30/05/2024 Etchinghill Kent Member of the public/ Inspector Single hornet NBU spring monitoring 21 TQ82 24/05/2024 30/05/2024 Four Oaks East Sussex Inspector Single hornet NBU spring monitoring 22 TR34 25/05/2024 30/05/2024 Martin Mill Kent Member of the public Caught in a net by Inspector 23 TR34 30/05/2024 04/06/2024 Martin Mill Kent Inspector Single hornet NBU spring monitoring 24 TQ82 04/06/2024 06/06/2024 Four Oaks East Sussex Inspector Single hornet NBU spring monitoring 25 Link to Image TR24 28/06/2024 03/07/2024 Barham near Canterbury Kent Member of the public Single hornet Found in conservatory - 26 TR36 13/7/2024 No sample Ramsgate Kent Member of the public Unconfirmed single hornet Seen on the kitchen window 27 TQ81 30/7/2024 2/08/2024 Great Maxfield East Sussex Member of the public Multiple hornets Captured 2 hornets Primary 1/8/2024 Secondary 24/09/2024 Tertiary 16/10/2024
28 TR14 31/07/2024 06/08/2024 Elham Kent Member of the public Single hornet Dead insect in garden 29 TR24 10/08/2024 12/08/2024 Lydden Kent Member of the public Single hornet Trapped in a private garden Primary 22/08/2024 Secondary 2/9/2024 30 Link to image TR36 15/08/2024 20/08/2024 Ramsgate Kent Member of the public Single hornet Trap in garden Secondary 23/08/2024 31 Link to image TR24 15/08/2024 19/08/2024 Temple Ewell Kent Member of the public Single hornet Found in trap Primary 30/08/2024 32 Link to image TR24 15/08/2024 27/08/2024 Alkham Kent Beekeeper Multiple hornets Found in trap Secondary 2/9/2024 33 TR24 16/08/2024 27/08/2024 Alkham Kent Beekeeper Single hornet Found in trap 34 TR24 17/08/2024 No sample Alkham Kent Beekeeper Single hornet Caught in a bottle in a pub 35 TR25 19/08/2024 29/08/2024 Goodnestone Kent Beekeeper Single hornet Attracted to apples being pressed Secondary 2/9/2024 36 TR24 9/08/2024 28/08/2024 Alkham Kent Member of the public Single hornet Found in trap 37 TR24 20/08/2024 23/08/2024 Ewell Minnis Kent Member of the public Multiple hornets Found in trap 38 TR24 21/08/2024 28/08/2024 Alkham Kent Member of the public Single hornet Found in trap 39 TR24 21/08/2024 28/08/2024 Temple Newel Kent Member of the public Multiple hornets Found in trap 40 TR24 21/08/2024 TBC Alkham Kent Member of the public Multiple hornets Found in trap 41 TR36 22/08/2024 27/08/2024 Ramsgate Kent Member of the public Single hornet Found in trap 42 TR24 22/08/2024 30/08/2024 Alkham Kent Beekeeper Multiple hornets Found in trap near hives 43 TR24 26/08/2024 30/08/2024 Temple Ewell Kent Member of the public Single hornet Found in trap 44 TR36 23/08/2024 No sample Ramsgate Kent Member of the public Single hornet Dead insect found 45 Link to image TR14 27/08/2024 23/08/2024 Elham Kent Member of the public and AHT Nest In a barbeque Primary 3/9/2024Secondary 3/9/2024 46 Link to image TQ33 28/08/2024 06/09/2024 Ardingly Sussex Member of the public Single hornet Observed hunting Secondary
9/9/2024
47 TQ81 28/08/2024 No sample Hastings Kent AHT Single hornet Attracted to honey 48 TR14 29/08/2024 No sample Elham Kent Member of the public Single hornet Dead insect found 49 Link to image TQ80 31/08/2024 06/09/2024 Baldslow Sussex Beekeeper Multiple hornets Found near nest Secondary 3/9/2024 50 TR14 01/09/2024 No sample Eltham Kent Member of the public Multiple hornets Seen near nest 51 Link to image TR13 04/09/2024 TBC Dymchurch Kent Member of the public Single hornet Dead insect found Primary 5/9/2024 52 TQ91 05/09/2024 09/09/2024 Rye Sussex Member of the public Single hornet Attracted to drinks Primary 08/09/2024 Secondary 07/09/2024 53 TR02 07/09/2024 TBC Lydd Kent Member of the public Multiple hornets Playing field Primary 08/09/2024 Secondary 08/09/2024 54 TR24 07/09/2024 16/09/2024 Swingfield Kent Member of the public Single hornet Trap 55 Link to image SU40 14/09/2024 TBC Southampton Hampshire Member of the public Single hornet Garden Secondary 24/09/2024 56 TQ81 15/09/2024 26/09/2024 Westfield East Sussex Member of the public Single hornet Eating apples 57 SU41 24/09/2024 26/09/2024 Southampton Hampshire Member of the public Single hornet In a jar 58 Link to image SU41 29/09/2024 01/10/2024 Southampton Hampshire Member of the public Single hornet On a driveway 59 Link to image SU31 03/10/2024 0710/2024 Southampton Hampshire Member of the public Single hornet In a bathroom 60 TQ81 12/10/2024 TBC Three Oaks Kent Member of the public Single hornet On ivy 61 SU41 12/10/2024 15/10/2024 Southampton Hampshire Member of the public Single hornet Trap 62 SZ79 16/10/2024 24/10/2024 Ferry English Channel Member of the public Single hornet Found dead 63 Link to image TR24 23/10/2024 28/10/2024 Coldred Kent Member of the public Single hornet Eating apple Primary 25/10/2024 64 TR01 25/10/2024 TBC Lydd on sea Kent Member of the public Single hornet 65 TQ81 27/10/2024 30/10/2024 Udimore East Sussex Beekeeper Multiple hornets Near hive Secondary 1/11/2024 66 TR24 27/10/2024 TBC Coldred Kent Member of the public Single hornet On ivy 67 TR36 28/10/2024 TBC Ramsgate Kent Member of the public Single hornet In garden 68 TR24 28/10/2024 TBC South Alkham Kent Member of the public Single hornet On ivy Secondary 1/11/2023 69 TQ82 3/11/2024 TBC Beckley East Sussex Beekeeper Single hornet Found in trap 70 TQ75 4/11/2024 TBC Allington Kent Member of the public Single hornet On ivy 71 TQ70 09/11/2024 TBC Bexhill on Sea East Sussex Member of the public Single hornet Flew into shop Secondary 12/11/2024 To note:
- Sighting photos not always available.
- 'Date of initial sighting', sometimes shows that sightings are reported retrospectively.
- 'Date confirmed by Lab' is the date sightings are confirmed formally by a laboratory and includes delivery times.
- No sample (NS)
- TBC To be confirmed.
June Genetics Update
The NBU has now drawn its spring trapping work to a close. Below is an update on the key findings and latest results of the ongoing genetic analysis.
On 4th June, a further Asian hornet was trapped in Four Oaks, East Sussex. This hornet was sent to Fera Science and was officially confirmed on 6th June. Genetic analysis will also be completed on the sample. This makes a total of 8 Asian hornets caught in this area. Genotype analysis has been completed for 7 of the hornets and the results indicate that these are all the offspring of the nest destroyed in Rye, East Sussex, on 15th November 2023.
Analysis of the single Asian hornet trapped in Denton, Kent, indicates that this was the offspring of a nest destroyed in Alkham, Kent, on 17th October 2023. This is the second occurrence where we have evidence of a UK nest reaching maturity and successfully overwintering.
The results from the genetic analysis of hornets captured at Etchinghill, Kent and St. Margaret’s Bay, Kent show that they are not offspring of any of the known nests destroyed in 2023. However, the results suggest they are related to hornets trapped during contingency action in 2023, but which could not be allocated to a known nest. This could suggest that in 2023 there were unreported nests in these areas. It is important to note that the NBU and local Asian Hornet Teams did extended surveillance across Kent at the end of the 2023 season, which did not result in the discovery of any further nests.
Genetic analysis has also been completed for the primary nest destroyed near Canterbury, Kent on 23rd May. The queen did not appear to be the offspring of any of the known nests from 2023. The nest contained only six larvae which were entirely triploid, meaning the queen had mated with at least one diploid drone. If this was the only drone that the queen had mated with, we believe the future gynes from this nest would be infertile and could not develop into a viable population.
The two other Asian hornet queens confirmed at Alkham and Lympne in Kent, do not appear to be the offspring of any known nest from 2023.
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Yellow-legged hornet 2025 rolling update
Please report sightings of Yellow-legged hornets (YLH), also known as Asian hornets, on this online form or download the free Asian hornet Watch app for Apple devices or android devices.
As of 21/11/2025:
To view the location of destroyed nests, please visit the map page and choose the Asian Hornet map layer.
544 credible yellow-legged hornet sightings have been reported in the UK in 2025.
162 nests have been found: [click here to go to the most recent nests found]
# Location County Type Date found Links to images / Notes 1 Langley Kent Embryo 16/04/25 2 Hythe Hampshire Embryo 13/05/25 Sample not obtainable and no official confirmation 3 Chartham Kent Primary 27/05/25 4 Shoreham Sussex Primary 10/06/25 5 Wye Kent Primary 07/06/25 6 Ashford Kent Primary 10/06/25 7 Hythe Kent Primary 10/06/25 8 Kennington, Ashford Kent Primary 11/06/25 9 Hawkinge Kent Primary 17/06/25 10 Coolinge, Folkestone Kent Primary 23/06/25 11 Walmer, Deal Kent Primary 25/06/25 12 Chilham Kent Primary 01/07/25 13 Selsted, Dover Kent Secondary 02/07/25 14 Verwood East Dorset Primary 30/06/25 15 Saltwood Kent Primary 03/07/25 16 Chelwood gate Eat Sussex Secondary 04/07/25 17 Dover Kent Primary 09/07/25 18 Dover Kent Secondary 10/07/25 19 Stelling Minnis Kent Secondary 15/07/25 20 Hythe Kent Secondary 15/07/25 21 Staple Kent Primary 16/07/25 22 Ilford (Barkingside) Greater London Secondary 17/07/25 23 Udimore East Sussex Secondary 17/07/25 24 River Kent Primary 17/07/25 25 Whistable Kent Secondary 18/07/25 26 Sissinghurst Castle Kent Secondary 18/07/25 27 Rochester Kent Primary 23/07/25 28 Verwood Dorset Secondary 23/07/25 29 Harrietsham Kent Primary 24/07/25 30 Higham Kent Secondary 24/07/25 31 Church Hougham Kent Secondary 27/07/25 32 Broad Oak East Sussex Secondary 28/07/25 33 Broadstairs Kent Primary 28/07/25 34 Sandgate Kent Secondary 29/07/25 35 Sedlescombe Sussex Primary 29/07/25 36 Hythe 2 Kent Secondary 30/07/25 37 Sandgate 2 Kent Secondary 29/07/25 38 Hastings East Sussex Secondary 29/07/25 39 Langdon Cliffs Kent Secondary 30/07/25 40 Langdon Cliffs Kent Primary 30/07/25 41 Betteshanger Kent Secondary 30/07/25 42 Hemsted Kent Secondary 30/07/25 43 Stone Crouch Primary 20/08/25 44 R.Tunbridge Wells Kent Secondary 31/07/25 45 Hempstead Kent Primary 01/08/25 46 Whitstable Kent Primary 31/07/25 47 Seabrook Kent Primary 08/08/25 48 Stelling Minnis Kent Rebuilding 08/08/25 49 Selsted Kent Rebuilding 04/08/25 50 Wakehurst West Sussex Secondary 03/08/25 51 Headcorn Kent Secondary 03/08/25 52 Tenterden Kent Secondary 05/08/25 53 Dymchurch Kent Secondary 06/08/25 54 Woodchurch Kent Secondary 08/08/25 55 Harrietsham Kent Secondary 08/08/25 56 Stone Crouch East Sussex Secondary 30/07/25 57 Stodmarsh Kent Primary 09/08/25 58 Wye Kent Secondary 09/08/25 59 Cranbrook Kent Secondary 06/08/25 60 River Kent Secondary 11/08/25 61 Walmer, Deal Kent Secondary 12/08/25 62 Weavering Kent Secondary 12/08/25 63 Western Heights, Dover Kent Primary 13/08/25 64 Ilford, Barkingside Greater London Secondary 14/08/25 65 Ashford Kent Secondary 15/08/25 66 Exted Kent Primary 14/08/25 67 Chilham Kent Secondary 15/08/25 68 Wingham Kent Secondary 17/08/25 69 Thanington Kent Secondary 17/08/25 70 Holmbury,Dorking Surrey Secondary 18/08/25 71 Lenham Kent Secondary 18/08/25 72 Wittersham Kent Secondary 19/08/25 73 Udimore East Sussex Primary 20/08/25 74 Udimore East Sussex Secondary 20/08/25 75 Four Oaks East Sussex Secondary 20/08/25 76 Wittersham 2 Kent Secondary 21/08/25 77 Ivy Hatch Kent Secondary 22/08/25 78 Dover Central Kent Secondary 22/08/25 79 Ospringe Kent Secondary 21/08/25 80 Ripple Kent Secondary 23/08/25 81 Cranbrook 2 Kent Secondary 23/08/25 82 Plaxtol Kent Primary 24/08/25 83 Dover castle Kent Secondary 25/08/25 84 Capel le Ferne 1 Kent Secondary 26/08/25 85 Runcorn Cheshire Secondary 27/08/25 Link to image 86 Adisham Kent Secondary 27/08/25 87 Langton North Yorkshire Secondary 27/08/25 Link to image Link to image 88 Deal 2 Kent Secondary 29/08/25 89 Broadstairs 2 Kent Secondary 30/08/25 90 Folkestone Kent Secondary 31/08/25 Link to image 91 Blean Kent Secondary 31/08/25 Link to image 92 Capel le Ferne 2 Kent Secondary 02/09/25 93 Church Hougham 2 Kent Primary 02/09/25 Link to image 94 Portslade, Brighton and Hove East Sussex Secondary 03/09/25 95 Church Hougham 3 Kent Primary 03/09/25 Link to image 96 Bromley Greater London Secondary 04/09/25 Link to image 97 Chelwood Gate East Sussex Secondary 04/09/2025 98 Herne Bay Kent Secondary 04/09/2025 99 R Tunbridge Wells Kent Secondary 05/09/2025 100 Dover Kent Primary 05/09/2025 101 Sedlescombe East Sussex Secondary 05/09/2025 102 Frinton-on-Sea Essex Primary 05/09/2025 103 Shottenden Kent Secondary 06/09/2025 104 Stelling Minnis Kent Primary 07/09/2025 105 Whitstable 2 Kent Secondary 07/09/2025 106 Ivy Hatch, nest 2 Kent Primary 07/09/2025 107 Whitstable 2 Kent Primary 07/09/2025 108 Graveney Kent Secondary 08/09/2025 109 Hartley Kent Secondary 09/09/2025 110 Devils Den, Sutton Valance Kent Secondary 10/09/2025 111 Kennington, Ashford Kent Secondary 10/09/2025 112 Ashford Cemetery Kent Primary 11/09/2025 113 Wallcrouch East Sussex Secondary 11/09/2025 114 Plaxtol Kent Secondary 12/09/2025 Link to image 115 Tenterden Kent Rebuilt 13/09/2025 116 Cobham Kent Secondary 14/09/2025 Link to image 117 Godstone Surrey Secondary 16/09/2025 Link to image 118 Frinton-on-Sea Essex Secondary 17/09/2025 119 Holmbury St Mary, Dorking Surrey Nest rebuild 17/09/2025 120 Eastling Kent Secondary 19/09/2025 121 Canterbury Kent Secondary 20/09/2025 122 Stalisfield Green Kent Secondary 20/09/2025 123 Tonbridge Kent Secondary 23/09/2025 124 Elham Kent Secondary 22/09/2025 125 Waltham Kent Secondary 23/09/2025 126 Rolvenden Kent Secondary 23/09/2025 127 Snave Kent Primary 22/09/2025 128 Tresco Isles of Scilly Secondary 24/09/2025 129 Southampton Hampshire Secondary 25/09/2025 130 Maidstone Kent Secondary 25/09/2025 131 Ospringe 2 Kent Secondary 26/09/2025 132 Godmersham Kent Secondary 27/09/2025 133 Rolvenden 2 Kent Secondary 27/09/2025 134 Challock Kent Secondary 27/09/2025 135 Stelling Minnis 2 Kent Secondary 29/09/2025 136 Larkfield Kent Secondary 30/09/2025 137 Goodnestone Kent Secondary 01/10/2025 138 Northiam East Sussex Primary 02/10/2025 Link to image 139 Eastling Kent Secondary 03/10/2025 140 Hempstead Kent Secondary 03/10/2025 141 Deal Kent Secondary 06/10/2025 Link to image 142 Lewes East Sussex Secondary 07/10/2025 Link to image 143 Aylesham Kent Secondary 09/10/2025 144 Coldharbour Surrey Secondary 10/10/2025 145 Iden Green Kent Secondary 11/10/2025 Link to image 146 Peasmarsh East Sussex Secondary 12/10/2025 147 Haywards Heath West Sussex Secondary 14/10/2025 Link to image 148 Snargate Kent Secondary 14/10/2025 149 Ringstead Dorset Secondary 14/10/2025 Link to image Link to image 150 Bodiam East Sussex Secondary 15/10/2025 Link to image 151 Godmersham 2 Kent Secondary 17/10/2025 Link to image 152 St Margarets Kent Secondary 18/10/2025 Link to image 153 Wadhurst East Sussex Secondary 19/10/2025 Link to image 154 Brook Kent Secondary 21/10/2025 Link to image 155 Womenswold Kent Secondary 21/10/2025 156 Alkham Kent Secondary 22/10/2025 Link to image 157 Womenswold Kent Primary 23/10/2025 Link to image 158 St Margaret's Bay Kent Secondary 26/10/2025 Link to image 159 Broad Oak East Sussex Secondary 02/11/2025 Link to image 160 Etchingham East Sussex Secondary 14/11/2025 Link to image Link to image 161 Ewhurst East Sussex Secondary 18/11/2025 162 Swyre Dorset Secondary 19/11/2025 Link to image As of 28/08/2025:
A change in approach to YLH sighting updates on BeeBase and Gov.uk: Since the beginning of May 2025, there have been a high number of credible sightings of yellow-legged hornets in the UK. Due to the extensive work in the field and the corresponding laboratory analysis it is not possible to provide a meaningful figure for the number of confirmed sightings as the information quickly becomes out of date as nests are found. The focus of the contingency action is on finding and destroying nests. Not all of the credible sightings will be linked to nests so until contingency action has finished, updates will only be provided on the nests found and destroyed.
Yellow-legged hornet sighting location information in the UK during 2025:
Sighting Photo Grid Ref Date initial sighting Date confirmed by lab. Location County Reported by Sighting/nest Other information Date nest destroyed 1 SJ22 23/01/2025 24/01/2025 Oswestry Shropshire Beekeeper Single hornet Imported shallots 2 Link to image TR15 17/03/2025 20/03/2025 Canterbury Kent Member of the public Single hornet Found dead 3 Link to image SU31 08/04/2025 10/04/2025 Marchwood Hampshire Member of the public Single hornet In rotary washing line 4 TR35 12/04/2025 15/04/2025 Deal Kent Beekeeper Single hornet Flew into a conservatory 5 Link to image TQ93 14/04/2025 15/04/2025 Appledore Kent Member of the public Single hornet Flew into a greenhouse 6 Link to image TR36 14/04/2025 17/04/2025 Ramsgate Kent Beekeeper Single hornet Flew into a conservatory 7 Link to image TQ75 16/04/2025 23/04/2025 Langley Kent Member of the public Single hornet and embryo nest Nest on window frame 16/04/2025 8 SU40 17/04/2025 NS Hythe Hampshire Single hornet and embryo nest Nest in playhouse 17/04/2025 9 Link to image TR23 19/04/2025 23/04/2025 Folkestone Kent YLAHT Single hornet Flew into a conservatory 10 Link to image SU31 23/04/2025 25/04/2025 Marchwood Hampshire Inspector Single hornet NBU spring monitoring 11 TR35 28/04/2025 01/05/2025 Sandwich Kent YLAHT Single hornet Foraging in garden 12 TQ82 29/04/2025 02/05/2025 Broad Oak Kent Inspector Single hornet NBU spring monitoring 13 Link to image TR25 30/04/2025 02/05/2025 Nonington Kent Beekeeper Single hornet Flew into house 14 TQ76 09/05/2025 16/05/2025 Chatham Kent Member of the public Single hornet Flew into conservatory 27/05/2025 15 TR25 10/05/2025 16/05/2025 Barham Kent Member of the public Single hornet Flew into house 16 TR04 10/05/2025 NS Crundale Kent Member of the public Single hornet Flew into house 17 TQ81 12/05/2025 21/05/2025 Cliff End East Sussex Member of the public Single hornet Flew into house 18 SU31 13/05/2025 NS Southampton Hampshire Member of the public Single hornet Flew into house 19 TR24 13/05/2025 16/05/2025 Shepherdswell Kent Member of the public Single hornet Flew into conservatory 20 Link to image TR15 20/05/2025 22/05/2025 Canterbury Kent Member of the public Single hornet Collecting pond water 21 TR13 25/05/2025 NS Seabrook Folkestone Kent Member of the public Single hornet Flew into house Primary 08/08/2025 22 Link to image TR35 26/05/2025 03/06/2025 Sandwich Kent Member of the public Single hornet Found dead 23 Link to image TR15 26/05/2025 29/05/2025 Canterbury Kent Beekeeper Nest Nest in hive 27/05/2025 24 Link to image NZ32 28/05/2025 NS Mordon County Durham Member of the public Single hornet Flew from a polytunnel 25 TR35 31/05/2025 06/06/2025 Deal 2 Kent Member of the public Single Hornet Killed in a conservatory 26 TQ82 31/05/2025 03/06/2025 Cherrytree Shaw East Sussex Inspector Single Hornet NBU spring monitoring 27 TR24 01/06/2025 03/06/2025 Ewell Minis Kent Inspector Single Hornet NBU spring monitoring 28 TR02 01/06/2025 03/06/2025 New Romney Kent Beekeeper Single Hornet Hawking in Apiary 29 TR24 03/06/2025 06/06/2025 Snowdown Kent Inspector Single Hornet NBU spring monitoring 30 Link to image TQ20 05/06/2025 17/06/2025 Shoreham-by-Sea West Sussex Member of the public Single hornet and nest Nest in garage 12/06/2025 31 TR04 09/06/2025 17/06/2025 Wye, Ashford Kent Beekeeper Single hornet and nest Nest in ivy 10/06/2025 Secondary TBC 32 TR24 08/06/2025 13/06/2025 Selstead, Dover Kent Beekeeper Single hornet Hornets in an apiary Secondary 09/07/2025rebuild 08/08/202533 Link to image TR04 08/06/2025 17/06/2025 Ashford Kent Member of the public Single hornet and nest Nest in birdbox Primary 10/06/2025 Secondary 21/08/2025 34 Link to image TR13 08/06/2025 17/06/2025 Hythe Kent Member of the public Multiple hornets Nest in ground Secondary 12/06/2025 Primary 23/07/2025 Primary 04/07/2024 Secondary TBC 35 TR04 11/06/2025 17/06/2025 Kennington Kent Member of the public Single hornet and nest Nest in shed 12/06/2025 36 TR05 14/06/2025 23/06/2025 Chilham Kent YLAHT Single hornet YLAHT monitoring 04/07/2025 Secondary 19/08/2025 37 Link to image TR23 16/06/2025 24/06/2025 Hawkinge Kent Member of the public Nest Nestin bird box 19/06/2025 38 TR23 17/06/2025 17/06/2025 Sandgate Kent Member of the public Single hornet Found in attic 2 secondary nests on 29/07/2025 39 TR14 17/06/2025 23/06/2025 Stelling Minnis Kent Member of the public Single hornet Found in sink 16/07/2025 rebuild 08/08/2025 40 Link to image TR23 19/06/2025 04/07/2024 Coolinge, Folkestone Kent Member of the public Nest Nest in water-tank water feature 23/06/2025 41 TQ71 21/06/2025 26/06/2025 Hastings East Sussex Beekeeper Single hornet Hawking in apiary 05/08/2025 42 TR35 23/06/2025 08/07/2025 Walmer Kent Pest controller Nest Multiple reports 23/06/2025 Secondary TBC 43 SU10 27/06/2025 03/07/2025 Verwood Dorset Member of the public Nest In garden 01/07/2025 Secondary 25/07/2025 44 TR34 03/07/2025 TBC Dover, Central Kent Beekeeper Single hornet Flew into shed Primary nest in ground and Secondary 15/07/2025 45 TQ42 04/07/2025 11/07/2025 Chelwood Gate East Sussex Member of the public Single hornet Dead hornet 09/07/2025 46 TR24 04/07/2025 11/07/2025 River, Dover Kent YLAHT Single hornet, multiple sightings Apiary monitoring 17/07/2025 Secondary 12/08/2025 47 TQ54 07/07/2025 11/07/2025 Royal Tunbridge Wells Kent Member of the public Single hornet Found in garden Secondary 31/07/2025 48 TQ83 07/07/2025 11/07/2025 Sissinghurst Kent Member of the public Single hornet Found inside house 23/07/2025 49 TR25 10/07/2025 21/07/2025 Staple Kent Member of the public Single hornet Found inside house 17/07/2025 50 Link to image TQ49 14/07/2025 17/07/2025 Ilford Greater London Member of the public Single hornet In Garden Secondary 18/07/2025Secondary 20/08/202551 TQ81 14/07/2025 TBC Broad Oak Kent Beekeeper Single Hornet Trap in Apiary 29/07/2025 52 TR16 15/07/2025 21/07/2025 Whitstable Kent YLAHT Single Hornet Trap at Home Primary and Secondary 07/08/2025 53 TR14 16/07/2025 TBC Hempsted Kent Beekeeper Single Hornet Home Secondary 30/07/2025 54 Link to image TQ76 16/07/2025 21/07/2025 Rochester Kent Beekeeper Single Hornet Flew into House 25/07/2025 55 TQ81 16/07/2025 21/07/2025 Doleham East Sussex Member of the Public Single Hornet Trap in Apiary 56 Link to image TQ81 16/07/2025 TBC Udimore East Sussex YLAHT & member of the public Nest In Outbuilding 22/07/2025 Primary and secondary TBC 57 TQ71 16/07/2025 21/07/2025 Sedlescombe East Sussex Member of the Public Single Hornet 31/07/2025 58 TQ77 17/07/2025 22/07/2025 Higham Kent Beekeeper Single Hornet Apiary monitoring 29/07/2025 59 TR35 19/07/2025 28/07/2025 Betteshanger Kent Member of the public Single hornet Hawking in apiary 06/08/2025 60 TQ85 19/07/2025 29/07/2025 Harrietsham Kent Beekeeper Single hornet Found in wasp trap 24/07/2025 Secondary 09/08/2025 61 TQ33 21/07/2025 23/07/2025 Wakehurst West Sussex Member of the public Multiple hornets Found on tree Secondary 05/08/2025 62 TR34 21/07/2025 31/07/2025 Langdon Cliffs, Dover Kent Beekeeper Single hornet Visitor's centre Primary and Secondary 31/07/2025 63 TR24 22/07/2025 04/08/2025 Church Hougham Kent Beekeeper Multiple hornets Apiary monitoring 29/07/2025 64 TQ55 24/07/2025 28/07/2025 Shipbourne Kent Member of the Public Single Hornet Found in wasp trap 65 TQ84 25/07/2025 NS Headborn, Maidstone Kent Member of the Public Single Hornet Foraging on Carrion Secondary 03/08/2025 66 TR36 26/07/2025 04/08/2025 Broadstairs Kent Beekeeper Single Hornet In garden 30/07/2025 67 TQ73 29/07/2025 08/08/2025 Cranbrook Kent Member of the public Single hornet In garden TBC 68 TR15 26/07/2025 NS Canterbury Kent Member of the public. Multiple sightings Single hornet In garden 69 TQ73 30/07/2025 NS Stone Crouch, Wadhurst Kent / East Sussex Member of the public Multiple hornets Found in disused hive Primary 31/07/2025 Secondary 14/08/2025 70 TR34 31/07/2025 NS Dover Port Kent Official Border control Single hornet Found at ferry terminal 71 TQ76 31/07/2025 TBC Hempstead, Gillingham Kent Member of the public Single hornet In garden Primary 12/08/2025 72 TR04 01/08/2025 12/08/2025 South Ashford Kent Beekeeper Single hornet Wasp trap in apiary 73 TQ67 01/08/2025 12/08/2025 North Elham Kent YLAHT Multiple hornets Found in wasp trap 74 TQ83 02/08/2025 TBC Tenterden YLAHT Multiple hornets Multiple sightings 14/08/2025 75 TQ82 02/08/2025 TBC Four oaks Kent Beekeeper Multiple hornets Apiary monitoring, multiple sightings 76 TR25 02/08/2025 TBC Adisham Kent Member of the public Single hornet Hornet foraging 77 TQ93 03/08/2025 12/08/2025 Woodchurch Kent Member of the public & YLAHT Multiple hornets Foraging on figs TBC 78 TR02 03/08/2025 12/08/2025 Snave Kent Member of the public Multiple hornets Found in trap in apple tree 79 TR13 04/08/2025 TBC West Hythe Kent Beekeeper Multiple hornets, multiple sightings Hawking in apiary Primary 04/07/2025 Secondary 06/08/2025 Secondary 19/08/2025 80 TR26 05/08/2025 TBC Stodmarsh Kent Beekeeper Single hornet Apiary monitoring Primary 12/08/2025 81 TQ65 08/08/2025 TBC Larkfield Kent Member of the public Single hornet Seen on path 82 TR06 09/08/2025 TBC Graveney Kent Beekeeper Multiple hornets Apiary monitoring. 83 TR35 09/08/2025 TBC Northbourne Kent Beekeeper Single hornet Apiary monitoring. 84 TR35 10/08/2025 NS Deal Marina Kent Member of the public Single hornet Foraging on flowers 85 TR16 10/08/2025 TBC Herne Bay Kent Beekeeper Single hornet 86 TR06 10/08/2025 TBC Ospringe, nr Faversham Kent Beekeeper Single hornet Found near apiary 87 TQ95 10/08/2025 TBC Broomhill Wood, Faversham Road Kent Member of the public Single hornet Collecting water 88 TR04 11/08/2025 TBC Kennington 2 Kent Member of the public Single hornet Flying in garden 89 TR01 12/08/2025 TBC Dungeness Kent Member of the public Single hornet Killed on shore 90 TQ75 12/08/2025 TBC Weavering Kent Beekeeper Nest Nest in birdbox 13/08/2025 91 TR25 12/08/2025 TBC Wingham Kent Member of the public Single hornet Caught in garden TBC 92 TR23 13/08/2025 TBC Capel le Ferne Kent Member of the public Single hornet 93 TQ54 13/08/2025 TBC North Royal Tunbridge Wells Kent Member of the public Multiple hornets 21/08/2025 94 TR05 14/08/2025 TBC Shottenden Kent Member of the public Multiple hornets Foraging on flowers 95 TQ55 14/08/2025 TBC Ivy Hatch Kent Member of the public 26/08/2025 96 TR15 14/08/2025 TBC Thanington Kent Beekeeper Multiple hornets Hawking in apiary Secondary 26/08/2025 97 TQ14 14/08/2025 TBC Holmbury St Mary, Dorking, Surrey Surrey Member of the public Multiple hornets Foraging on flowers Secondary 26/08/2025 98 TR14 13/08/2025 TBC Exted Kent Beekeeper Multiple hornets Hawking in apiary Primary 15/08/2025 99 TQ92 15/008/2025 TBC Brookland Kent YLAHT Single hornet YLAHT monitoring 100 TQ20 16/08/2025 TBC Portslate, Brighton and Hove East Sussex Member of the public Single hornet Foraging on flowers 101 SJ58 16/08/2025 18/08/2025 Runcorn Cheshire Member of the public Single hornet Foraging on figs TBC 102 TR34 16/08/2025 TBC Ripple Kent Member of the public Single hornet Foraging on flowers Secondary 28/08/2025 103 TR23 16/08/2025 TBC The Warren Kent Beekeeper Multiple hornets Apiary monitoring. 104 TQ35 17/08/2025 TBC Tyler's Green Surrey Member of the public Single hornet 105 TQ84 17/08/2025 TBC Oakwood Manor Kent Member of the public Single hornet Foraging on figs 106 TQ92 16/08/2025 TBC Wittersham Kent Member of the public Multiple hornets Foraging on flowers Secondary 27/08/2025 & Secondary TBC 107 TR24 19/08/2025 TBC Ewell Minnis Kent Beekeeper Single hornet Beekeeping association monitoring 108 TR25 19/08/2025 TBC Aylesham Kent Member of the public Single insect Dead insect 109 TR34 20/08/2025 TBC Ringwould Kent Member of the public Multiple hornets Foraging on Willow 110 TQ83 20/08/2025 TBC Beacon Hill Kent Member of the public Single insect On path 111 TQ95 21/08/2025 TBC Eastling Kent Member of the public Multiple hornets Caught in wasp trap 112 07/08/2025 NS Cherbourg Port English Channel Member of the public Single insect On Ferry 113 TQ54 22/08/2025 TBC Denny Bottom Kent Member of the public Multiple hornets Found in hedge 114 TQ65 21/08/2025 TBC Plaxtol Kent Member of the public Single hornet Hawking in apiary 27/08/2025 115 TQ95 TBC Lenham Kent Beekeeper Single hornet 116 TQ66 22/08/2025 TBC Cobham Kent Member of the public Single hornet Caught in wasp trap 117 TL06 24/08/2025 TBC Dover Castle Kent Beekeeper Multiple hornets Fling near trap TBC 118 TR34 24/08/2025 TBC Martin Mill Kent Member of the public Multiple hornets Found inside house 119 TR24 24/08/2025 TBC Barham Kent Member of the public Single hornet In garden 120 TQ14 24/08/2025 TBC Forest Green Surrey Member of the public Multiple hornets Countryside 121 TQ53 25/08/2025 TBC Crowborough East Sussex Member of the public Single hornet Found in hedge 122 TR04 25/08/2025 TBC Church end, Challock Kent Member of the public Single hornet Flying near trees 123 TR05 22/08/2025 TBC Molash Kent Member of the public Single hornet Flying near trees 124 TQ14 26/08/2025 TBC Holmbury st Mary Surrey YLAHT Multiple hornets 125 Link to image SE76 26/08/2025 27/08/2025 Langton North Yorkshire Member of the public Single hornet Foraging on snowberry TBC Please note:
- Sighting photos are not always available.
- 'Date of initial sighting' sometimes shows that sightings are reported retrospectively.
- 'Date confirmed by Lab' is the date sightings are confirmed formally by a laboratory and includes delivery times.
- 'NS': No Sample.
- 'TBC': To Be Confirmed.
- YLAHT: Yellow-Legged Asian Hornet Team
- >two sightings in close proximity recorded as ‘multiple sightings'
Summary of results from spring trapping for Yellow-Legged hornets in GB in 2025
A total of 22 individual Yellow-Legged Hornets (YLHs) were confirmed between January and early June 2025. Some of these hornets were captured during spring trapping led by the Animal and Plant Health Agency’s National Bee Unit (NBU) which was carried out for 8 weeks from early April 2025 to early June 2025. All these hornets were sent for further analysis.
There were 20 spring queens, one damaged individual that was likely a queen and one lone worker.
Four of the spring queens were identified as likely offspring from 2 of the nests destroyed in 2024. These were the nest destroyed in Coldred on 25th October and the nest destroyed in Udimore on 1st November. These 2 nests were themselves likely offspring of nests destroyed in 2023. This is the first evidence of a second generation of YLHs being produced in GB. None of the other 16 queens were likely related to known nests from the previous year.
Figures are included below to illustrate.
Map of yellow-legged hornets linked to the Udimore nest
Map of Yellow-legged hornets linked to the Coldred nest
It is important to note that the numbers of second-generation hornets are very low and there have been good levels of monitoring by beekeepers and the NBU. The NBU deployed 350 traps and a total of 5,500 trap checks were made. This is not considered to be strong evidence of an established population and the NBU are continuing to take contingency action against YLH. The evidence gathered from action taken during 2025 will be reviewed overwinter.
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2025 Hive Count
The National Bee Unit is pleased to launch the 2025 National Hive Count today, 1st of November. The hard slog of summer beekeeping is done so make yourself a nice cup of tea, grab your laptop and sink into your favourite chair. It's time to update your BeeBase records!
We would like to ask all beekeepers to please login to BeeBase and make a note of the total number of colonies you will be taking into the winter as of 1st November 2025. This task is quick and simple, just click here, login and fill in the short form. Even if you have no overwintering colonies this season it is still important to update your BeeBase record to reflect that. This survey will run until 31st December 2025.
For more information about the Hive Count click here.
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Safeguarding measures on honey bees and apiculture products from Ukraine
Tropilaelaps mite presents a significant biosecurity risk to Great Britain’s bee population. In recent years the population of Tropilaelaps mercedesaehas spread westward from its native range in Asia. There are now confirmed populations in western Russia and Georgia. Surveillance for Tropilaelaps mite in Ukraine is currently limited. Given the pest’s continued westward spread across continental Europe and the challenges associated with its detection, there are concerns that current surveillance efforts may not be sufficient to reliably identify its presence.
We are introducing temporary safeguarding measures to prevent the export of honey bees, certain apiculture products and used beekeeping equipment from Ukraine to protect Great Britain’s biosecurity.
From 7th October 2025 the following bee and apiculture products are prohibited for export into Great Britain from Ukraine:
- honey bees
- unprocessed apiculture by-products
- used beekeeping equipment
- apiculture products in honeycomb intended for human consumption
The measures will continue to apply until they are revoked.
Actions for beekeepers
We ask that beekeepers continue to remain alert to the potential risk of Tropilaelaps invasion. To learn more on how to identify Tropilaelaps, please read this page.
It has been demonstrated that Tropilaelaps mite is a highly mobile pest that can be easily introduced into new regions through global trade in beeswax, or importation of package bees or queens. It is crucial that importers of bees and bee products are aware of, and comply with, the legislation on imports of bees and bee products.
- Tropilaelaps is a statutory notifiable pest; evidence of Tropilaelaps being present in a hive must be reported to the National Bee Unitimmediately
- It is not permitted to import any bees, unprocessed apiculture products or used beekeeping equipment from: Ukraine.
- It is not permitted to import package bees, nucleus colonies or full colonies from any country except New Zealand
- Only queens (with attendants) may be imported from other countries
- All imports (bees and bee products) must be notified via the Import of Products, Animals, Food and Feed Service (IPAFFS)
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New apiculture programme published
The England Apiculture Programme for 2025-2028 has been published on BeeBase. The programme provides measures to support beekeepers and bee farmers by training events on bee health and husbandry practices as well as improving identification of pests and diseases through hive-side advisory inspections. The programme is delivered by APHA’s National Bee Unit. It is jointly funded by Defra and HMT following EU Exit. The programme starts on 1 August and lasts for 3 years.
