Karmactive Staff
The discovery of an Asian hornet nest in Runcorn, Cheshire marks the first time these invasive insects have been found in north-west England, raising alarm among beekeepers and conservation experts. A member of the public spotted one of the aggressive predators foraging on figs in Runcorn before reporting it. This sighting adds to growing concerns as the hornets have now spread beyond their previous strongholds in Kent and East Sussex.
“The next few weeks may be our last chance to stop this voracious predator getting established,” warned Diane Drinkwater, chair of the British Beekeepers Association (BBKA). “If they do gain a foothold here, our chances of eradicating them are virtually non-existent.”
The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has reported 342 credible yellow-legged hornet sightings in the UK so far in 2025 (as of 28 August), with 86 nests found and destroyed. The government’s official count shows 37 laboratory-confirmed sightings this year (as of 14 July).
These numbers already make 2025 a record-breaking year for Asian hornet activity in Britain. The insects, first detected in the UK in 2016, have shown worrying signs of establishing themselves, with first confirmed evidence of queens successfully overwintering between 2023 and 2024; 2025 analysis is ongoing.
Asian hornets pose a serious threat to Britain’s insect population and ecosystem. One nest can consume about 11 kilograms of insects in a single season. They are particularly dangerous to honey bees, with a single hornet able to kill up to 50 bees daily through a hunting technique called “hawking” – hovering outside beehives to catch returning foragers.
They don’t just threaten honey production, they threaten pollination, biodiversity, and our entire food system. (Statement attributed to Lynne Ingram removed due to lack of verification — replace with a sourced quote if needed.)
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While the hornets’ stings pose no greater danger to humans than native species, they become highly aggressive when defending their nests. These nests are often found in hedges or close to the ground where people might accidentally disturb them. Ian Campbell from the BBKA emphasized that their stings are “especially nasty” and urged public vigilance during the coming weeks, which he described as critical for controlling the spread.
The yellow-legged Asian hornets can be identified by their dark bodies with distinctive yellow-tipped legs and a single yellow or orange band near the tail. They are slightly smaller than native European hornets, which are mostly yellow with black stripes.
If you spot what you believe to be an Asian hornet, experts advise:
- Take a clear photo from a safe distance
- Note the exact location
- Report the sighting through the free Asian Hornet Watch app (available for both Android and iPhone)
- Do not attempt to kill the hornet or disturb any nests
After a sighting is reported, specialists from the National Bee Unit will assess the situation and respond. These trained experts can track hornets back to their nests, which are then safely destroyed.
The recent discoveries in Cheshire and Yorkshire show these invasive insects could appear anywhere in the country, not just coastal areas. With September typically seeing peak hornet activity, authorities are asking everyone to remain alert.
Beyond Yorkshire and Cheshire, nests have also been found in other areas outside the south-east this year, confirming the hornets’ expanding range across Britain. The growing threat has led to calls for increased resources for detection and eradication efforts, with experts warning that without swift action, the species could become permanently established in the UK.
