UK records 'earliest ever sighting' of Asian Hornet and are given strict instructions for 'if you see one'

The UK has recorded it's earliest ever sighting of the Asian hornet, with advice offered in case you come across one.

Just when you thought things couldn't get any worse, what with the potential of World War Three and pint prices going up, the giant wasps are back.

According to the Daily Star, the UK has witnessed its earliest-ever sighting of the Asian hornet, a giant insect that can reportedly eat as many as 50 honeybees per day. So, that's why the bees are all disappearing.

Around 10,000 of the beasts from the east of Asia were reported before September in the UK last year, so if you have a fear for giant insects then you'll certainly want to keep an eye out, and maybe try to avoid getting too close to any suspicious looking nests out in the wild.

While the one critter that was spotted in Shropshire back in January might have been an early bird compared to some of its brothers and sisters, it has fortunately now been apprehended. Although, it might not be long until we see them back across the UK, especially with the warmer weather approaching.

However, unlike me, these hornets are reportedly now built to withstand the perils of British winter, which means they may well look to set up a permanent base in the UK year-round. They might think twice about it if they ever get chance to read up on the cost-of-living crisis.

Asian Hornet Wasp (Getty Stock Images)

So, you'll probably be asking what you need to do if you ever come across one of these Asian hornets out on a spring or summertime walk.

The first answer would be not to bother attacking its nest, as the hornets thankfully aren't aggressive unless you threaten its home, which is fair enough. And you certainly wouldn't want to be stung by one, given that symptoms include dizziness and some pretty painful swelling.

Brian Gadsby/Alamy Stock Photo

Back in 2024, Defra’s Chief Plant and Bee Health Officer Professor Nicola Spence offered up this advice: "By ensuring we are alerted to possible sightings as early as possible, the public can help us take swift and effective action to stamp out the threat posed by Asian hornets.

"While the Asian hornet poses no greater risk to human health than other wasps or hornets, they can damage honey bee colonies and harm other pollinators.

"Please continue to be vigilant for any Asian hornets and if you think you’ve spotted one, report your sighting through the Asian hornet app or online."

They really do have an app for everything these days.