Home / Environment / Jersey Battles Invasive Hornets: Record Queens Captured
Jersey Battles Invasive Hornets: Record Queens Captured
22 Mar
Summary
- Jersey deployed 630 traps in 2025, capturing 1,376 queen Asian hornets.
- The government has classified Asian hornets as an aggressive invasive species.
- Volunteers are modifying traps to protect native insects and aid hornet capture.
Islanders in Jersey are urged to deploy traps for Asian hornets following a record number of sightings last year. John De Carteret of the Jersey Asian Hornet Group emphasized capturing queen hornets early to minimize hatching. In 2025, 630 traps were used, resulting in 1,376 queen hornets captured, and the target for this year is 1,000 traps.
Asian hornets are classified as an invasive species due to their predatory nature towards native insects and a significant threat to honeybees. Last year saw a substantial increase in nests, with 694 recorded compared to 259 in 2024. Already, 38 queens have been sighted this year, including in St Helier School and St Brelade.
Volunteers are actively modifying government-supplied traps by adding holes and attractant mats. These modifications allow non-target insects to escape while attracting hornets, preventing drowning. The group aims to distribute specially modified spring queen traps widely, particularly to properties that have previously had hornets.
Capturing queens now is considered a crucial investment in biodiversity, potentially preventing numerous stings. Traps and attractants are available from the biosecurity team. Participants must check traps daily, release by-catch, and report sightings via a new website. Those interested in the spring trapping scheme should contact Alastair Christie.
