Warning to Brits over an invasion of Asian Hornets: Fears grow as 'killer' insects are spotted in Belfast for the first time

Fears are growing as a 'killer' insect species is conquering new ground in the UK. 

Authorities have confirmed that multiple Asian Hornets have been found in Northern Ireland for the first time. 

At least two of the invasive insects have been found in eastern Belfast in the past week, according to the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA). 

About about an inch in length, the Asian Hornet is capable of a painful sting that can be fatal for people with certain allergies. 

The creature is distinguishable by its bright yellow leg tips, thin yellow stripes on its upper abdomen, and vibrant orange face.

More than ever, authorities are now relying on the public to report Asian Hornets and their nests so they can be destroyed by qualified pest technicians. 

'This is a harmful species that I do not wish to see becoming established in Northern Ireland,' said Northern Ireland's Environment Minister Andrew Muir. 

'It presents a serious threat to both biosecurity and local ecology, particularly valuable pollinating insects.' 

The first Asian Hornet to be found in Northern Ireland was spotted in the Dundonald area of Belfast on October 10 by a member of the public. 

Since then, there have been further sightings in the Dundonald area, suggesting the existence of at least one nest there. 

'Officials are working to establish location and remove any potential nest in the area,' said the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in an X post. 

Authorities stress suspected nests shouldn't be disturbed under any circumstances and sightings should be reported immediately on the Asian Hornet Watch app.

It's unclear how many specimens have been found in Northern Ireland; NIEA has been contacted for more information.  

While the sightings in the past week are the first Asian Hornets found in Northern Ireland, they're not the first to be found on the isle.  

This summer, two Asian Hornet nests were found and destroyed about 200 miles further south, in Cork, Republic of Ireland. 

It followed the first identification of an Asian Hornet in Ireland in the Dublin area in 2021, although this was 'not associated with a wild viable population', Biodiversity Ireland said.

Christopher O'Sullivan, Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity based in Cork, called Asian Hornets 'a threat to our native pollinators and our biodiversity'. 

'We must take even a single sighting very seriously,' O'Sullivan said. 'Members of the public are our eyes on the ground. 

'Early detection is key if we are to prevent the establishment of this invasive species.'  

The Asian Hornet, also known as the yellow-legged hornet, is native to southeast Asia and considered invasive across most of Europe. 

The species was first seen in the UK in 2016 (near Tetbury in Gloucestershire) but has started to spread far more aggressively in recent years.

Sightings have so far been largely in the South East of England, with Kent being the most affected due to its proximity to France, but also in Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire and London, with isolated confirmed sightings across parts of South-West England and as far north as Yorkshire and Northumberland.

They've also recently been found in Jersey, the largest of the Channel Islands between England and France. 

According to the UK government's latest online update, there's been a total of 245 confirmed Asian Hornet nests since 2016, all of which were destroyed.  

The last confirmed sighting of a nest in Britain, also destroyed, was in Goodnestone, Kent on October 1. 

Last month, meanwhile, there were 52 Asian Hornet nests found and destroyed in the UK, and the overwhelming majority (41) were in Kent. 

The Asian Hornet is such a concern because it has a devastating impact on our native insect populations. 

Asian Hornets have an appetite for Britain's wasps and honey bees, which are vitally important because they pollinate crops and wildflowers. 

Earlier this year, a University of Exeter study found about 1,400 different species in the guts of Asian hornets, including bees, wasps, flies, beetles, butterflies, moths and spiders, although by far honey bees were their favourite prey.

Hornets are a lot larger than bees, although it's worth bearing in mind that not every hornet is an Asian Hornet.  

Asian Hornet is often mistaken for the native and ecologically important European Hornet, which is not aggressive and doesn't typically pose a threat to healthy honey bee colonies. 

'One of the easiest ways to identify them is by looking at their legs,' said Professor Helen Roy, an ecologist at UKCEH and the University of Exeter. 

'Yellow-legged hornets [Asian Hornets] have yellow and brown on their legs, whereas European hornets' legs are only brown.' 

Asian Hornets are also smaller and more slender than their European counterparts and have vibrant orange shading on their heads. 

Asian Hornets live in oval-shaped nests constructed by a lone queen out of wood fibres and saliva, which can be found in trees, hanging down from ceilings, in the corner of sheds, and many other locations. 

Unfortunately, all wasp and hornet nests look similar, so the best way to identify a nest is to see the bug living in it - although you shouldn't get too close.

From a safe distance, about 10 feet away, keep an eye on the nest to see if any hornet comes in or out of it. 

In the nest's vicinity, remain calm and avoid any sudden movements, such as swatting which can provoke them.

Make sure any pets, children or people with allergies stay well away, as one sting from an Asian Hornet could kill a person who is allergic to their venom.