Fears ‘killer’ Asian hornets found in Somerset for the first time are swarming across England
Asian hornets have been discovered in Somerset for the first time, with a nest found and destroyed near Ashcott after a beekeeper tagged and tracked one of the insects. The invasive species, native to China, poses a serious threat to native wildlife because it preys heavily on bees and other pollinators, and experts warn that warming temperatures linked to climate change are helping it spread rapidly across England.
The Somerset find was the 53rd Asian hornet nest recorded in England this year, following 163 nests discovered in 2025, and beekeepers fear numbers will keep rising as each nest can produce around 300 new queens. A single hornet can kill up to 50 honey bees a day, while a queen can consume roughly 90,000 insects in a season, and the species has caused fatalities elsewhere in Europe since first arriving in France about 20 years ago. Officials from Somerset's Asian Hornet Action Team and local beekeeping associations are urging the public to stay vigilant and report sightings via the Asian Hornet Watch app.
In short
- Asian hornets found in Somerset for the first time, nest destroyed
- Species threatens bees and over 1,000 other native insects
- Climate change and reproduction rates fuelling rapid spread across England
Explained simply
Asian hornets are an invasive insect from East Asia that has spread to parts of Europe, including Britain. They hunt bees and other insects, so their presence can put pressure on honey bees and wild pollinators.
The hornets’ spread matters to beekeepers, conservationists and people who rely on pollination for crops and gardens. A nest can produce many queens, which may go on to establish new nests, while warmer conditions may help the species survive and spread.
Local beekeeping groups and official teams monitor reports and work to locate nests. People can help by reporting suspected sightings through the Asian Hornet Watch app.