Asian Hornet Population Surge Threatens UK Bees and Biodiversity

Record early sightings of invasive Asian hornet queens on Jersey signal a rapid population increase, raising alarms for UK pollinators and ecosystems.

Over 260 queen Asian hornets have been recorded on Jersey by April 11, marking a 1,090% increase compared to the same time last year.
The Asian hornet, an invasive species first introduced to Europe in 2004, preys on pollinators and poses a severe threat to biodiversity and agriculture.
Experts attribute the surge to a warm, dry spring and the hornet's ability to breed and overwinter successfully in the UK, confirmed via DNA analysis in 2024.
Asian hornets can decimate up to 90,000 pollinating insects per season, with a single nest consuming 11 kilograms of insect prey annually.
Authorities urge public vigilance and reporting of sightings via the Asian Hornet Watch app to aid eradication efforts and prevent further spread.