Kent urged to report 'aggressive' bug sightings

The bug preys on honeybees and other pollinators

Kent residents have been urged to report sightings of yellow legged hornets which have been described as a "highly aggressive' insect.

Experts at the British Pest Control Association (BPCA) said people should tell the Non-native Species Secretariat "as soon as possible" if they spot the hornet.

Sightings can also be reported via the Asian Hornet Watch app.

Formally known as the Asian hornet, the BCPA said they prey on native insects and pose a "significant threat" to honeybees and other pollinators.

"These invaders could disrupt our native ecosystems and impact crop production," said Nial Gallagher BCPA technical manager.

'Do not disturb an active nest'

Yellow-legged hornets have already been sighted in 2025, the BCPA added.

They detailed that hornets had been spotted in Kent in Canterbury, Deal, Appledore, Ramsgate, Langley, Folkestone, Broad Oak, Nonington and Sandwich.

A record number of sightings of deadly insects were recorded in the UK in 2023.

That year the National Bee Unit said it destroyed 72 nests in 56 locations – most of which were in Kent.

• Why are there so many Asian hornets in Kent?

Mr Gallagher said the insect is smaller than its native counterpart.

It has an orange head, almost entirely dark body, and an abdomen with fine yellow stripes and a yellow or orange segment near the base, he detailed.

They do not pose a greater risk to human health than native hornets.

Mr Gallagher advised people to not disturb a hornet's nest

Their legs are dark and have yellow tips, whereas native hornets have entirely dark legs, according to Mr Gallagher.

"Yellow-legged hornets may sting, so it's important not to disturb an active nest," he continued.