Overview

• A single Asian hornet was captured in Cork on August 13, triggering a cross-government taskforce under the National Parks and Wildlife Service to monitor and survey the area.
• Ireland’s Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage says the species poses a significant threat to biodiversity but does not constitute a major public health risk.
• The UK’s National Bee Unit has recorded 73 sightings and 28 nests of Asian hornets so far in 2025, more than double the number reported during the same period last year.
• University of Southampton researchers led by Paul White and Sophie Gray measured a unique 125 Hz acoustic signature at about 51 dB, which can be detected from up to 20 meters away to distinguish nests.
• Authorities are urging citizens to report sightings through the Asian Hornet Watch app and national biodiversity portals to support swift nest removal.