Ireland’s First Asian Hornet Nest Discovered: What You Need to Know
In late August 2025, something we’ve been dreading finally happened — Ireland’s first Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) nest was confirmed. For years, we’ve watched this invasive species spread across mainland Europe and the UK, and now it has officially made its way here.
As a pest controller, I’ve had countless calls about “giant wasps” and “strange hornets” over the years. Nine times out of ten, it turns out to be a native wasp nest or a harmless hoverfly. But this time, it’s different. The Asian hornet is real, and its presence in Ireland is a serious concern — not just for us, but for our bees, biodiversity, and even local communities.
Let’s break down what this means and, most importantly, what you should do if you spot one.
What Are Asian Hornets?
Asian hornets (scientific name Vespa velutina) are an invasive species originally from southeast Asia. They were accidentally introduced to France in 2004, likely in a shipment of pottery, and have spread rapidly across Europe ever since.
Unlike the native European hornet (Vespa crabro), which is rare in Ireland and beneficial to the ecosystem, the Asian hornet poses a significant problem. Its diet includes honeybees and other pollinators, which it hunts in large numbers. A single Asian hornet colony can kill tens of thousands of bees in a season.
This isn’t just bad news for beekeepers — it’s a threat to food crops, gardens, and natural ecosystems that depend on pollination.
Why Their Arrival in Ireland Matters
Ireland has been lucky so far. While the UK has been dealing with dozens of nests every year since 2016, we’ve only had scares and false alarms — until now.
The discovery of the first confirmed nest in Ireland means:
- Bees are at risk. Honeybees are already under pressure from varroa mites, pesticides, and habitat loss. Adding hornet predation into the mix could be devastating.
- Biodiversity could suffer. Asian hornets don’t just target honeybees. They also prey on wasps, flies, and butterflies — all key parts of our ecosystems.
- Spread is possible. Once established, Asian hornets can build multiple nests per season. If left unchecked, they could spread quickly across the island.
It’s not about panicking — but it is about acting fast.
How to Recognise an Asian Hornet
One of the most common questions I hear is: “How do I know if I’ve seen an Asian hornet or just a big wasp?”
Here’s a simple guide:
- Size: Asian hornets are smaller than our native European hornet. Workers are about 2.5 cm long; queens can reach 3 cm.
- Colour: Mostly dark (almost black) body; A distinctive yellow/orange band near the end of the abdomen; Legs with yellow tips (“yellow socks”)
- Face: Orange-yellow face with dark eyes
- Behaviour: They often hover in front of beehives, waiting to snatch bees as they come and go.
Native wasps are brighter yellow and black. European hornets (very rare here) are larger, with a more reddish-brown colour.
Here is a comparison chart showing Asian hornet vs Giant Woodwasp vs native Irish wasp:
What to Do if You Spot One
Here’s the golden rule: Do not try to deal with it yourself.
Asian hornets can be aggressive when defending a nest. Their sting is painful, and while no more dangerous to most people than a wasp sting, multiple stings or allergic reactions can be serious.
If you think you’ve seen an Asian hornet:
Take a clear photo if safe to do so. A phone photo, even from a distance, can help experts confirm the sighting.
Note the location, date, and time.
Report it immediately: The National Biodiversity Data Centre is encouraging the public to stay alert and report any potential sightings via the Alien Watch reporting portal:
Contact a professional pest controller (like us at Owl Pest Control) if you suspect a nest on your property.
Here is a map of Ireland showing all 23 record counts in Co. Cork. We encourage the public to report future sightings:
What Pest Controllers Are Doing
Since the nest discovery, pest controllers and government teams have been working closely to:
- Locate and destroy nests quickly before new queens can spread.
- Monitor hotspots near ports, towns, and beekeeping areas.
- Raise awareness among the public, farmers, and gardeners.
From experience, I can tell you: finding a hornet nest isn’t always easy. They often build in treetops, hedgerows, or even under roof eaves. The nests start small in spring but can grow to the size of a football (or bigger) by late summer.
I once climbed into an attic thinking I was dealing with an ordinary wasp nest, only to find myself face-to-face with a buzzing ball of hornets. Luckily, that was in France during training — but it gave me huge respect for just how dangerous these insects can be if mishandled.
How You Can Help
This isn’t just a pest control problem — it’s a community effort. Every set of eyes counts. Gardeners, walkers, beekeepers, and homeowners are the first line of defence in spotting new hornet activity.
Here’s how you can help:
- Learn the difference between Asian hornets and native species.
- Keep an eye out in your garden, especially near flowering plants and beehives.
- Report sightings quickly and accurately.
- Share reliable information with friends and neighbours — not rumours.
The arrival of the Asian hornet in Ireland is worrying, but it’s not hopeless. With fast reporting, professional intervention, and community awareness, we can slow their spread and protect our bees.
If you spot something suspicious, don’t take chances. Get in touch with the authorities — and if you think a nest is on your property, call a professional pest control company like Owl Pest Control.
Together, we can stop this invasive pest before it becomes a permanent problem on our island.
Want to know More?
This invasive species poses serious risks to biodiversity and honeybee populations, and its presence is becoming increasingly concerning. If you want to know more about the growing threat of the Asian hornet in Ireland, check the hour-long webinar below: Managing the threat of the Asian hornet in Ireland, which dives deep into how experts are tackling the issue—from identification and reporting to monitoring and community training.
Whether you’re a beekeeper, nature enthusiast, or just curious, this is essential viewing.
1 thought on “Ireland’s First Asian Hornet Nest Discovered: What You Need to Know”
I believe that I encountered 3 Asian Hornets flying into my home, in August. I was so panicked that I sprayed them with antibacterial spray and swatted them with a rolled up newspaper. They fell to the ground and I picked them up with tissue to flush them down the toilet, in my complete panic.