Killer Asian Hornets Invade Jersey, Hundreds of Nests Discovered

As of September 9th, 2025, the Channel Island of Jersey is facing a looming invasion of killer Asian hornets, with a staggering 500 nests already discovered on the island. This represents a four-fold increase from the previous year, and each nest can house up to 10,000 of the invasive insects.

The surge in Asian hornet activity has put tremendous pressure on Jersey's government, with its invasive species reporting system struggling to keep up. "The number of people being stung continues to rise," says John De Carteret, founding member of the Jersey Asian Hornet Group. "The unrelentingly high number of Asian hornet reports from across the island is making it difficult for the authorities to respond effectively."

Despite the efforts of two government invasive species officers, supported by professional pest controllers and volunteers, the backlog of nests to be destroyed continues to grow. However, John remains cautiously optimistic, noting that the increased public awareness and reporting has allowed them to locate and document the majority of the nests.

The Asian hornets' voracious appetite poses a grave threat to the island's ecosystem. A recent study revealed that these predators devour more than just honey bees, with over 1,400 different species found in their guts, including wasps, flies, beetles, butterflies, moths, and spiders. But honey bees remain their favorite prey, appearing in every nest tested.

As the battle to contain the Asian hornet invasion continues, the people of Jersey and the surrounding region brace for the potential impact on their local environment and economy. The situation serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and proactive measures to prevent the spread of invasive species.