Asian Hornet Sighting Confirmed in Staffordshire

An Asian hornet sighting was confirmed in the Tamworth area of Staffordshire on 2 September 2019.

The Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) is a species of hornet which is not native to the UK. Single hornets pose no greater risk to human health than other hornets or bees. However, they pose a serious risk to honey bees and pollinating insects.

We encourage ecologists, environmental managers and members of the public to be vigilant, particularly in the Staffordshire area, and report any possible sightings.

Guidance on how to identify an Asian hornet and how to report a suspected sighting is available on the UK Government website.

Image credit: Charles J Sharp [CC BY-SA 4.0]