Yellow-legged Hornet
Watch out! There is a new hornet about!
Yellow-legged Asian hornets Vespa Velutina, pose a serious threat to British biodiversity and agriculture.
Yellow-legged Hornet (YLH)
These predator insects are invasive to the UK, so our native species have no natural defence against them.
Left unchecked, they can cause widespread damage to pollinators and the ecosystems that depend on them (and in fact, they have already caused widespread damage in Europe).
In the later months of year, yellow-legged hornets remain highly active, with foraging continuing well into November. By February, queens emerge, searching for sugar and protein to fuel
egg-laying and begin a new colony cycle. Understanding their behaviour is vital to limit their spread.
Why It Matters
The risks from YLH go far beyond beekeeping. While Stockport Beekeepers and the British Beekeeping Association are raising awareness of the issue, the problem impacts everyone. These hornets prey on many native insects and pollinators, including honey bees, butterflies, moths, hover flies and European hornets.
Pollinators are essential for food production and plant health. When they are lost, entire ecosystems suffer, along with the crops and gardens that rely on them. Across parts of Europe where Asian hornets have become established, their presence has already decimated native pollinator populations.
What Can I Do?
Report It!
Protecting pollinators requires us all to act. Every person can play a part in spotting and reporting Asian hornets:
Report Sightings
Report a suspected sighting immediately through Asian Hornet Watch (an app for your phone). Never try to capture Asian hornets yourself, as they can be aggressive. Reported sightings allow the National Bee Unit (NBU) to locate and destroy nests safely.

Download here: Apple Store Google Play
Alternatively, email your sighting at alertnonnative@ceh.ac.uk
Set up a Monitoring Station

Mix equal parts of blackcurrant cordial, white wine, and cider vinegar, then observe for ten minutes. If you see yellow-legged hornets, do trap them. Instead, take a clear photo and submit it via the App. Dispose of the liquid afterwards to avoid harming native insects or put away to use next time.
The more people who join this campaign, the greater the chance of containing this invasive predator. By reporting sightings, we can help safeguard our native pollinators, protect agriculture, and preserve Britain’s fragile ecosystems.
Do You Know The Difference?
Spotting Nests
As winter approaches and the leaves begin to fall, this is a perfect time to keep an eye out for the nests of Yellow Legged Asian Hornets.
Asian Hornet Nests (Vespa velutina)
Location: Primary nests are small and often in sheltered spots, but secondary nests are large, exposed, and usually found high up in tree canopies or in buildings. Use binoculars to identify secondary nests from a safe distance. Do not disturb suspected nests and retreat from any wasp / hornet nests if flying insects are observed.
Appearance: They are large, papery, and pear-shaped, sometimes reaching up to 80 cm in height and 60 cm in width.
Entrance: The entrance hole is located halfway up the side of the nest, rather than at the bottom.
European Hornet Nests (Vespa crabro)
Location: These nests are typically built within cavities, such as hollow tree trunks, roof spaces, or other sheltered places.
Appearance: The nests are usually cylindrical, made from chewed wood, which gives them a paper-like appearance.
Usually 30 x 60 cm
Entrance: The opening is located at the bottom of the nest.
More information regarding the nests can be found in this