14/09/2026
DAERA Renews Public Vigilance Appeal Over Asian Hornet Sightings
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has called on people to stay alert for Asian hornets, despite no fresh confirmed sightings so far this year. The renewed appeal follows the completion of a two-month Spring Queen Monitoring Programme in the Dundonald area.
Also known as the yellow-legged hornet, the Asian hornet is an invasive non-native species originating from East Asia. It preys on insects including honeybees, wasps and other key pollinators, posing a potential threat to native biodiversity and crop pollination.
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir said: "In October 2025, the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) removed Northern Ireland's first confirmed Asian hornet nest following its discovery in Dundonald.
"Although the monitoring did not detect any Asian hornets, there is always a risk that some may have evaded the monitoring exercise.
"For that reason, we would still urge the public to be vigilant and report any suspect sightings and please check out all the ID Guides on our website and avoid killing or catching other valuable pollinators unnecessarily."
As a precaution, 34 traps were deployed and checked twice weekly between April and May 2026, the period when queen hornets typically emerge before establishing secondary nests.
The monitoring was initially planned for three months, but a delayed start was necessary due to low temperatures and poor weather. Queen hornets remain in hibernation until there are consistent days of around 12–13C and above.
Traps were designed to target Asian hornet queens while minimising by-catch of other insects, and none were detected.
Members of the public who think they have seen an Asian hornet should consult the official ID guides and submit reports with a photograph via the Asian Hornet Watch app, as sightings cannot be verified without photographic evidence.
Also known as the yellow-legged hornet, the Asian hornet is an invasive non-native species originating from East Asia. It preys on insects including honeybees, wasps and other key pollinators, posing a potential threat to native biodiversity and crop pollination.
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir said: "In October 2025, the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) removed Northern Ireland's first confirmed Asian hornet nest following its discovery in Dundonald.
"Although the monitoring did not detect any Asian hornets, there is always a risk that some may have evaded the monitoring exercise.
As a precaution, 34 traps were deployed and checked twice weekly between April and May 2026, the period when queen hornets typically emerge before establishing secondary nests.
The monitoring was initially planned for three months, but a delayed start was necessary due to low temperatures and poor weather. Queen hornets remain in hibernation until there are consistent days of around 12–13C and above.
Traps were designed to target Asian hornet queens while minimising by-catch of other insects, and none were detected.
Members of the public who think they have seen an Asian hornet should consult the official ID guides and submit reports with a photograph via the Asian Hornet Watch app, as sightings cannot be verified without photographic evidence.
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15 April 2026
Asian Hornet Monitoring Begins In Dundonald
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) is calling on the public to remain alert for sightings of Asian hornets following the commencement of a targeted monitoring programme in the Dundonald area of Belfast. The Asian hornet, also referred to as the yellow-legged hornet, is an invasive non-native species from East Asia.
Asian Hornet Monitoring Begins In Dundonald
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) is calling on the public to remain alert for sightings of Asian hornets following the commencement of a targeted monitoring programme in the Dundonald area of Belfast. The Asian hornet, also referred to as the yellow-legged hornet, is an invasive non-native species from East Asia.
16 October 2025
Further Asian Hornet Sightings In Dundonald Point To Possible Nest
The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) has confirmed further sightings of the Asian Hornet in the Dundonald area of Belfast. These latest reports follow the confirmation of the first Asian Hornet in Northern Ireland, which was captured in the same area on Friday, 10 October 2025.
Further Asian Hornet Sightings In Dundonald Point To Possible Nest
The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) has confirmed further sightings of the Asian Hornet in the Dundonald area of Belfast. These latest reports follow the confirmation of the first Asian Hornet in Northern Ireland, which was captured in the same area on Friday, 10 October 2025.
19 August 2025
Public Urged To Be Vigilant After Asian Hornet Sighting In Cork
Members of the public and local beekeepers are being urged to be vigilant following a recent sighting and subsequent capture of an Asian hornet in the Cork area. The sighting, confirmed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), marks only the second confirmed record of the insect in Ireland.
Public Urged To Be Vigilant After Asian Hornet Sighting In Cork
Members of the public and local beekeepers are being urged to be vigilant following a recent sighting and subsequent capture of an Asian hornet in the Cork area. The sighting, confirmed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), marks only the second confirmed record of the insect in Ireland.
20 October 2025
First Asian Hornet Nest In NI Located And Destroyed In Dundonald
An Asian Hornet nest has been located and destroyed in the Dundonald area of east Belfast. The nest was found close to the location of the first reported sitting on 10 October. The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) has now completed the safe and controlled removal of the nest.
First Asian Hornet Nest In NI Located And Destroyed In Dundonald
An Asian Hornet nest has been located and destroyed in the Dundonald area of east Belfast. The nest was found close to the location of the first reported sitting on 10 October. The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) has now completed the safe and controlled removal of the nest.
14 October 2025
First Asian Hornet Sighting Confirmed In Northern Ireland
The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) has confirmed the first confirmed sighting of an Asian Hornet in Northern Ireland. The insect, also known as the Yellow-legged hornet, was captured by a member of the public in the Dundonald area of Belfast on Friday, 10 October.
First Asian Hornet Sighting Confirmed In Northern Ireland
The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) has confirmed the first confirmed sighting of an Asian Hornet in Northern Ireland. The insect, also known as the Yellow-legged hornet, was captured by a member of the public in the Dundonald area of Belfast on Friday, 10 October.
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