‘Serious threat’ as killer Asian hornets are spotted in UK county for first time ever with Brits told to ‘be vigilant’

INVASIVE Asian hornets have been spotted in a UK county for the first time. A sting from the critters, which have distinctive yellow legs, can be painful or fatal in rare cases with Brits urged “to be vigilant”. Asian hornets are an invasive predator and prey on honeybees Credit: BPM Media The National Bee Unit was called in to help after one of the insects was spotted by a beekeeper in Ashcott last week. Further hornets were tracked to a nest, which is due to be destroyed this week. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! The hornets are an invasive predator and prey on honeybees, bumblebees, hoverflies and other insects. Its venom causes an intense burning sensation, which many have compared to being jabbed with a red hot needle. Lynne Ingram, master beekeeper and organiser of the Somerset Beekeepers Association’s yellow-legged hornets teams, said: “This is the first time yellow‑legged Asian hornets have ever been found in Somerset, and early reporting made all the difference.” Lynne added: “We want Somerset to remain a yellow‑legged hornet‑free zone, and the public’s vigilance is absolutely essential.” The hornets were first detected in the UK in 2016, and are believed to have arrived from mainland Europe. Sightings ever since have skyrocketed, rising to a staggering 544 confirmed reports in 2025 – an increase of 871 per cent compared to 2023. Most read in The Sun The species first arrived in France in 2004. They are believed to have nested in a shipment of pottery from China. Five people died from Asian hornet stings in France in 2015. 1 comment1