There has been a really significant increase in Asian hornet sightings in Great Britain this year with 54 nests found, compared to only 1 nest being found in 2022. 

So far in 2023 there have been 54 Asian hornet nests found in 44 locations. The majority of the nests have been found in Kent, but nests have also been found in Devon, Dorset, East Sussex, East Yorkshire, Essex, Hampshire, London, North Yorkshire, and Surrey. More information, rolling updates and information on previous sightings can be found on the website of the National Bee Unit.  

The Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA) would be grateful for your support in helping to raise awareness and encourage reporting of any further sightings. Alert posters and ID sheets are available to help, please see the Asian hornet alert page for details.

Any suspected sightings should ideally be reported with a photograph via the Asian hornet watch app or the online reporting form.  For more details on identification and reporting please visit the Asian hornet alert page.

Alternatively you can report sightings of Asian hornet by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. When reporting via email please include a photograph or clear description including the insect’s behaviour, the location of the sighting and ideally a phone number.

Read more on the APHA Scient Blog: Hunting for the Asian hornet

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