Asian hornets, an invasive species known for their predatory nature and painful stings, have been found in Somerset for the first time, sparking concerns about their spread throughout England. A beekeeper discovered the hornets in a woodland near Ashcott and tracked them to a nest, which has since been destroyed. The incident was reported to the local Asian Hornet Action Team (AHAT).
The predators, native to China, pose a significant threat to native insect populations, particularly honey bees. A single Asian hornet can consume up to 50 honey bees daily, and a queen can devour approximately 11.3 kilograms of insects, or about 90,000 individuals, over a season, potentially devastating local ecosystems. Their sting is described as 'incredibly painful,' and the species has been linked to fatalities in continental Europe.
Beekeepers attribute the increasing spread of Asian hornets to rising global temperatures, which allow the insects to thrive in warmer weather and survive less frequent harsh winters. This year, the Somerset nest was the 53rd discovered in England, following 163 nests found in 2025. Lynne Ingram, head of Somerset's AHAT, expressed concern about the hornet's arrival in the county and emphasized the need for vigilance in locating nests before mating queens enter hibernation.
Mark White of the East Dorset Beekeepers Association warned last year that the Asian hornet population was growing rapidly in southern England. He noted that with each nest producing around 300 queens and favorable conditions akin to their native China, the population has the potential to surge unchecked. White highlighted that destroying nests is crucial, as each removed nest prevents future reproduction, and failing to act now could lead to a significant increase in nests the following year.
The Asian hornet first appeared in France approximately 20 years ago, reportedly arriving in a shipment of pottery from China, and has since spread across Europe. The species preys on over 1,000 native species, including honey bees, bumblebees, and butterflies. The public is encouraged to report any sightings of Asian hornets using the Asian Hornet Watch app.