What is the Asian hornet?

The Asian hornet is an invasive insect species that poses a threat to native insects, particularly valuable pollinators like honey bees and bumble bees.

Where was the Asian hornet spotted in Northern Ireland?

The first sighting of an Asian hornet in Northern Ireland was confirmed in the Dundonald area on October 10, 2025.

How will authorities respond to the Asian hornet sighting?

The Northern Ireland Environment Agency has initiated a monitoring program involving live traps and visual surveys to determine if this is an isolated incident or if there may be a nest in the area. If additional Asian hornets are detected, intensive efforts will be made to trace and remove any nests.

Home / Environment / Invasive Asian Hornet Spotted in Northern Ireland, Raising Ecological Concerns

Invasive Asian Hornet Spotted in Northern Ireland, Raising Ecological Concerns

14 Oct

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Summary

First sighting of Asian hornet in Northern Ireland confirmed
Hornet captured in Dundonald area on October 10, 2025
Poses threat to native insects, especially pollinators

Invasive Asian Hornet Spotted in Northern Ireland, Raising Ecological Concerns

In a concerning development, the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) has confirmed the first sighting of an Asian hornet in Northern Ireland. The invasive insect was captured on October 10, 2025, in the Dundonald area by a member of the public.

The Environment Minister, Andrew Muir, has stated that this is a solitary Asian hornet, but a departmental response is underway to ensure no other Asian hornets are present. Individual hornets and nests have been increasingly recorded in southern counties of England, while two nests were found and destroyed in County Cork earlier this summer.

While Asian hornets pose no greater threat to humans than native hornets, they do present a significant threat to native insects, particularly valuable pollinators. The hornets are known to feed on more than 1,000 species, including honey bees, bumble bees, butterflies, and beetles. The environment minister has expressed concern about the potential establishment of this harmful species in Northern Ireland, as it could have serious implications for the local ecology.