Just when we thought we could stop worrying about “murder hornets,” they’re making headlines again—but this time, it’s across the pond. The UK is sounding the alarm over a sharp rise in sightings of Asian hornets (Vespa velutina), an invasive predator with a dangerous appetite for honeybees and other pollinators. And while the US has its own success story to celebrate, what’s happening in Britain offers a stark reminder: vigilance matters.
Here’s what’s going on, what we can learn from it, and how to help protect the pollinators that keep our food system alive.
What’s Happening in the UK?
The UK has recorded an unprecedented number of Asian hornet sightings in the past year—record highs, in fact. Originally from Southeast Asia, Vespa velutina first made its way to Europe via shipping containers in France around 2004. Since then, it’s spread aggressively across the continent, and its foothold in the UK is now growing fast.
- Fifty nests were destroyed in 2023—more than double the number from 2022
- The 2025 season has already seen early activity, suggesting an even higher number this year
These hornets are efficient predators. A single nest can wipe out thousands of pollinators in a season, with one hornet able to kill 50 honey bees in one day. And they don’t just hunt bees—they go after butterflies, wasps, flies, and other insects, wreaking havoc on ecosystems that are already under pressure from habitat loss and pesticides.
Why Should Americans Care?
If you remember the buzz (pun not intended) around “murder hornets” in 2020, you’re thinking of the Asian giant hornet (Vespa mandarinia), a separate species that turned up in the Pacific Northwest. Thankfully, the USDA and Washington State Department of Agriculture jumped on it fast.
By late 2023, after three years of no new sightings, officials declared the species eradicated in the US—a major win for science, strategy, and community reporting.
But here’s the catch: what’s happening in the UK shows how quickly things can change if early detection and response efforts slip. Their current challenge with Vespa velutina is a cautionary tale for what could happen here if another invasive hornet species slips through the cracks.
How to Spot an Asian Hornet (and Why It Matters)
Asian hornets aren’t massive like their giant cousins, but they’re still easy to spot if you know what to look for:
- Mostly dark body with a yellow-tipped abdomen
- Bright yellow legs
- Slightly smaller than native hornets or wasps—about an inch long
If you’re in the US, sightings of Vespa velutina are rare (and not currently established), but entomologists still encourage reporting anything suspicious. You can contact your state’s Department of Agriculture or local extension office with photos.
How You Can Support Pollinators—Even Without Hornets Around
Regardless of hornets, pollinators in the US are in trouble. Bee populations are declining due to pesticides, disease, habitat loss, and climate change. You don’t need to wait for an invasive species crisis to make a difference:
- Plant native wildflowers in your garden or community spaces
- Avoid pesticides, especially neonicotinoids
- Support local beekeepers by buying local honey and bee products
- Leave some “messy” spaces—dead wood, bare soil, or wild patches help solitary bees nest
- Put up bee hotels or water dishes (with stones or corks for safe landing)
Final Thoughts
The UK’s struggle with Asian hornets is more than just a British problem—it’s a wake-up call. Invasive species don’t respect borders, and neither do the environmental issues threatening pollinators. The US may have beaten one hornet, but staying ahead means staying informed, prepared, and proactive.
Whether it’s watching for invasive bugs or simply planting a few wildflowers, every action counts. The health of our food systems—and our ecosystems—depends on the tiny wings of pollinators. Let’s not wait until they’re gone to start caring.
