Asian hornet nest removal – what to do if you see one
Asian hornets – The key facts
While Asian hornets pose no greater threat to humans than our native hornets, there are some key reasons why you need to know about Asian hornet nest removal.
- Sightings of Asian hornets have increased in the UK over the past few years
- Asian hornets are an invasive, non-native species
- They threaten the population of honey bees and insect pollinators. It’s reported these hornets can eat up to 50 honey bees per day
- The public is being asked to record and report sightings of Asian hornets to help prevent this ‘problem species’ from growing and spreading
- A nest can be large and aggressive; Asian hornet nest removal should only be completed by an experienced pest control company
What does an Asian hornet look like?
Asian hornets are similar in size to native hornets (roughly double the size of a wasp) but have distinctive yellow legs.
Their bodies are much darker than native hornets, with a wide orange stripe on the fourth abdomen section. Native hornets’ abdomens are predominantly yellow.
What does an Asian hornet’s nest look like?
Asian hornets build egg-shaped paper nests that can grow to house around 6,000 workers. Never attempt to inspect or disturb an Asian hornet’s nest, as this can be incredibly dangerous.
How to identify if you have an Asian hornet nest
According to the NNSS, a primary nest can be identified as a spherical nest with a small entrance at the base, usually 5-10cm in diameter.
A secondary nest is pear-shaped, with an entrance hole halfway up the nest, up to 60cm wide and 80cm tall.
Should I be concerned about Asian hornets?
Asian hornets don’t pose any greater danger to humans than native hornets unless they perceive a threat to their nest.
However, the concern is the potential damage they could cause to our honey bee and insect pollinator population.
Asian hornets can consume up to 50 honey bees a day. Unless this ‘problem species’ is controlled (by people reporting sightings), it could seriously impact our local ecosystems and biodiversity.
What to do if you have an Asian hornet nest
If you spot an Asian hornet nest, it’s crucial you report it immediately. This is the best way to help control the spread of this species.
Report sightings of this invasive species on the government’s Asian Hornet Watch app.
How do you get rid of an Asian hornet nest?
Once you’ve reported the sighting, contact an experienced pest control company in your local area to remove the nest.
Find your local, approved pest control experts with Checkatrade by searching your postcode below.
Can you remove a hornet’s nest yourself?
Never attempt to remove a hornet’s nest yourself. A hornet’s nest can contain an average of around 6,000 workers. And if the nest is disturbed, the hornets can become aggressive.
Always contact a trained professional to safely remove an Asian hornet’s nest.
And remember to report the sighting on the government’s app.
On Checkatrade, you'll only find trades who meet our high standards and pass up to 12 checks.
How much does Asian hornet nest removal cost?
Asian hornet nest removal cost is normally around £100. Take a look at our cost guide for more information.
An experienced pest control expert will undertake an initial inspection, identify the hornet’s nest you’ve noticed, and check for any additional nests nearby.
The site of the nest(s) will then be prepared for treatment. The treatment involves the application of an insecticide to the nest, causing the nest and the hornets inside to expire.
After a period of 48 hours, all activity in and around the nest will have ceased, and it can be physically removed and safely disposed of.
Find an expert in Asian hornet nest removal near you
Do not disturb an Asian hornet nest yourself, as they can be large and aggressive.
Instead, contact a Checkatrade-approved pest control company to come out and remove the nest safely for you.
Contact or pay a trade through Checkatrade and you’re covered by our 12-month guarantee of up to £1,000*
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