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Deadly Asian Hornets Invade Northern Ireland, Threatening Bees and Biodiversity
18 Oct
Summary
- First sighting of Asian hornets confirmed in Dundonald, Northern Ireland
- Nests removed, but experts warn more could be out there
- Hornets pose threat to native insects, especially honey bees
In a concerning development, the invasive Asian hornet has been confirmed in Northern Ireland. The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) reported the first sighting of the species in Dundonald on October 17, 2025. Further sightings were confirmed two days later, and by October 21, a nest had been located and removed from the same area.
Environment Minister Andrew Muir has urged the public to remain vigilant, as there could be more Asian hornets in the region. While the hornets pose no greater threat to humans than native hornets, they are a significant concern for beekeepers and environmentalists. The Asian hornet is a voracious predator, capable of consuming up to 50 honey bees per day, and can have nests with up to 8,000 individual hornets or grubs.
Experts warn that the arrival of the Asian hornet could have a devastating impact on Northern Ireland's biodiversity. Tom Williamson, a former senior bee inspector, expressed concern that if the captured nest had already released its queens, they may have mated and entered hibernation, only to emerge and start building new nests in the spring. This could lead to a rapid spread of the invasive species, which feeds on more than 1,000 types of insects and spiders.
Beekeepers in the region are particularly worried, as the Asian hornet's predatory behavior, including "hawking" near hives, can prevent bees from foraging and cause them to starve. This, in turn, could have a significant impact on the pollination of hedgerows, trees, and other important habitats that support a diverse array of wildlife.
In response to the threat, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has said that recruitment is underway for bee inspectors, who could play a crucial role in quickly identifying and removing Asian hornet nests. However, the lack of a dedicated bee inspectorate in Northern Ireland has raised concerns among local beekeepers, who believe this expertise could have helped mitigate the impact of the invasive species.
