7th-13th, September, 2026
You may have seen, or heard, in the news recently that the first confirmed Yellow-legged Asian Hornet’s (YLAH) nest was discovered in Somerset. There was some confusion initially as Aisholt was given as the location. It was later confirmed that it was actually Ashcott, near Street.
The fact it was still the first confirmed YLAH nest in Somerset is a worrying development. Lynne Ingram, the head of the Asian Hornet Action Team in Somerset, said in an interview with the BBC that the discovery of the species in Somerset is worrying, not least because of its ability to establish itself quickly in new areas…but, also, because a single nest could consume as many as 90,000 insects.
So far in 2026, there have been 145 credible Yellow-legged Asian Hornet sightings across the UK, leading to the identification of 41 nests
The British Beekeepers Associate (BBKA) says on its website that it is “a significant threat as it could decimate our honey bees and other pollinators in the UK. It is important for everyone to be actively looking for it.”
They’re asking for the public’s help, especially during it’s Yellow-legged Asian Hornet week which runs from 7th-13th September. They ask that if you spot a YLAH, please report it by using the ‘Asian Hornet Watch’ app which is available for free on Android and iPhone or, alternatively, you can fill in the online form on their website.
According to the BBKA, the YLAH are “non-native predators that can wipe out entire honey bee colonies and devastate native insect populations. Unlike species with more specialised diets, they are opportunistic hunters – feeding on some 1,400 different insect species including honey bees, bumble bees, butterflies, hoverflies and beetles”.
The fact they feed on such a vast array of other species means their arrival could prove devastating for a whole host of native insect species. The loss, or decline, of native insect populations could, potentially, have a hugely damaging effect on food chains, biodiversity, pollination levels and the wider ecosystem generally.
There’s an array of useful information about sightings, identification, the problems they could cause and how you can help on the BBKA website.
Even if you see a YLAH outside after next week it’s still important – and incredibly useful – to report it.