Rising Asian Hornet Sightings in Northern Ireland
New sightings of the Asian hornet have been confirmed in Northern Ireland, with officials from the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) announcing that additional observations have been made in the Dundonald area of Belfast. This follows the report of the first confirmed sighting in the same locality last Friday, suggesting the possible presence of an existing nest.
The NIEA has indicated that a track and trace approach is being deployed to locate and remove any potential nest in the Dundonald region. The agency stresses the importance of swift action to prevent the hornets from establishing a breeding site that could threaten local ecosystems and pollinators.
What to Do if You Spot an Asian Hornet
The public is urged to stay vigilant and report suspected insects, ideally with a photograph, to the DAERA Asian Hornet Watch app or to the CEDaR invasive species reporting portal. Helpful links are provided by the NIEA for easy reporting:
- Asian Hornet Watch app: https://www.brc.ac.uk/app/asian-hornet-watch
- CEDaR invasive species online recording: http://www2.habitas.org.uk/records/ISI
Officials also remind residents that suspected nests should not be disturbed. Instead, report them immediately so trained personnel can assess and remove them if present. Early detection is crucial to limiting the hornet’s impact on native ecosystems and valuable pollinators, including honeybees and other insects vital to biodiversity.
The Ecological Impact of Asian Hornets
Asian hornets are an efficient predator of insects, with a predilection for honeybees and other pollinators. If nests are established in or near urban or rural communities, there is a risk of substantial effects on local biodiversity, including the viability of pollination-dependent crops and natural habitats. The current sightings in Belfast’s Dundonald area highlight the need for continued vigilance and rapid response from authorities and the public alike.
Authorities’ Response and Next Steps
The NIEA has confirmed that the sightings could indicate a nest’s presence, prompting a collaborative effort to locate and, if needed, remove it. Track-and-trace methods are being used to map potential nest locations while minimizing disturbance to residents and the environment. Ongoing monitoring will be essential as authorities determine the hornets’ range and life cycle in Northern Ireland.
In recent months, Asian hornets have also been reported in parts of Ireland, including Cobh and Cork, underscoring that cross-border concerns exist and that coordinated actions, including reporting and rapid nest management, are important beyond Northern Ireland alone.
How the Public Can Help
Vigilance remains the best defense against the spread of Asian hornets. If you encounter a large, dark wasp-like insect with a robust body and a marked yellow stripe near the tail, observe from a safe distance and collect a clear photograph if possible. Submit your report via the Asian Hornet Watch app or the CEDaR portal, and avoid disturbing any nest you discover. This joint effort helps protect pollinators, support biodiversity, and reduce the risk posed by this invasive species across Northern Ireland and neighboring regions.
Stay informed through NIEA and DAERA updates for the latest guidance on identifying, reporting, and safely addressing Asian hornet sightings in the Dundonald area and beyond. The public’s participation is essential to stopping the spread and safeguarding local ecosystems. 🇬🇧
