Asian hornets builds terrifying nest in UK city as sightings in Britain soar

A “young” Asian hornet nest has been discovered in Kent – sparking fears of a fresh swarm of the species this summer.

The nest was spotted on the ceiling of a cafe in Adisham, just days after the government warned to keep an eye out for the invaders. Last year they swarmed the country in record numbers.

Owner of roadside Krusties cafe, Paul Jeffries, 56, said: “Over the last 10 days we’ve had the opportunity of housing a ‘nest’ … so today I took the right decision and reported it to the agency.

Read more: Asian hornet UK invasion mapped as Brits ordered to do one thing if they spot one

“APHA (the Animal Plant and Health Agency) (was) very excited as this state of nest growth has never been witnessed in the UK, and first ever sighting. Safe to say, it’s been removed safely and off the Queen goes for DNA extraction etc, all in the name of science.”

Kent has become a frontline in the battle against Asian hornets, which threaten local honeybees and pollinators. The National Bee Unit said it destroyed 72 nests in 56 locations in 2023 – most of which were in Kent.

Paul said: “Most people would just think to smash it with a baseball bat but I didn’t want to take that risk. I can’t risk anyone, especially my customers, getting hurt. I am just trying to do my bit for the community.

“[The expert] just smiled with glee. They were so excited because they had never seen a nest this young. To be the first one in the UK was quite honourable. The scientists were like kids in a lollipop shop they had never seen one before.”

According to the British Beekeepers Association, Asian hornets are coming across the English Channel from France in increasing numbers. The government is asking the public to report sightings of nests so they can be destroyed.

Earlier this week Chief Plant Health Officer Nicola Spence said: “By ensuring we are alerted to possible sightings as early as possible, the public can help us take swift and effective action to stamp out the threat posed by Asian hornets. “While the Asian hornet poses no greater risk to human health than other wasps or hornets, they can damage honey bee colonies and harm other pollinators.

“Please continue to be vigilant for any Asian hornets and if you think you’ve spotted one, report your sighting through the Asian hornet app or online.”

Also known as yellow-legged hornets, Asian hornets that can eat up to 50 honeybees a day. They were first introduced to the UK in 2004 and are believed to have been transported unknowingly on cargo from France.

They were first sighted in Gloucestershire in 2016 and have since been spotted in several counties including London.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) is trying to prevent a nationwide Asian hornet invasion, but if the species becomes established in the UK, there could be very little that can be done about it.

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