Traps to Be Set for Yellow-Legged Hornets in Wales After Recent Sighting

The Welsh government has instructed the National Bee Unit to set traps for yellow-legged hornets following a sighting of the invasive species in the Caergwrle area of Wales earlier this year. The traps will be placed within a 5km radius of the site. This measure aims to monitor and control the spread of the species, which targets honey bees.

Trapping operations are scheduled to begin in mid-April and continue until the end of June. The National Bee Unit, which manages the government's Bee Health Programme in England and Wales, stated that confirmed sightings during this period would prompt efforts to locate and destroy nests. The unit described this approach as precautionary, proportionate, and based on available scientific evidence.

Yellow-legged hornets, also known as Asian hornets, are a non-native species first recorded in France in 2004. The species has since appeared in multiple European countries and parts of the UK. In England, initial sightings occurred in 2016, with annual actions to find and destroy nests reported by the Welsh government.

Background on the Species Yellow-legged hornets are active from February to November and are most commonly observed from July onward.

The insects are not generally aggressive toward humans, but individuals are advised to avoid approaching or disturbing nests. Their presence can affect local bee populations by predation, potentially impacting pollination and honey production.

Public Involvement and Reporting The Welsh government has requested that beekeepers and the public use an identification guide to differentiate yellow-legged hornets from similar native insects.

Suspected sightings should be reported to authorities. This reporting helps in early detection and response to prevent establishment of the species in new areas. The initiative addresses risks to native pollinators, which support agriculture and ecosystems in Wales.

Ongoing monitoring ensures that any nests are addressed promptly. Further updates on trapping results will be provided by the National Bee Unit as the programme progresses.