Asian Hornets

Asian Hornet Control: What You Need to Know

Asian Hornets (Vespa velutina) have been a growing concern across the UK, with sightings on the rise, particularly in the north, including confirmed reports in Newcastle in 2023. These invasive species pose a significant threat to native pollinators, especially honeybees. At PEST-SHIELD, we understand the urgency of addressing Asian hornet sightings, and we follow a structured, responsible approach to dealing with them.

How We Help

Identification and Reporting Process

Identifying Asian hornets:

If you encounter an insect you suspect is an Asian hornet, take a clear photograph and report it via the Asian Hornet Watch app, available on both Android and iOS. This is the official UK method to report sightings, ensuring that your information is processed by the right authorities.

Our Key Role

At PEST-SHIELD, while we don’t treat Asian hornet nests ourselves, we play an important role in the process by:

• Reporting sightings to the authorities.
• Educating the public on how to identify and report Asian hornets.
• Collaborating with environmental bodies to ensure nests are safely treated and destroyed by authorised professionals.

Why It’s Important to Act

Asian hornet nests can grow large, housing up to 10,000 hornets, with each nest capable of producing up to 300 queens by the end of the season. If left unchecked, this invasive species can severely harm local ecosystems, particularly bee populations.

Contact Us

If you believe you’ve spotted an Asian hornet, contact PEST-SHIELD immediately. We will assist in identifying the insect, ensure it is reported, and help facilitate proper nest removal—all at no cost to you if the presence of Asian hornets is confirmed.

Together, we can help protect our environment from this invasive threat.