Killer spotted in Cork!

A biosecurity alert was issued on Wednesday following the capture of an Asian Hornet in the Cork area.

The insect, also called the Yellow-legged Hornet, is a serious threat to Ireland’s biodiversity. Even one nest can wipe out local honeybee populations.

The discovery does not pose a major public health risk, but it has triggered a rapid response.

A new Asian Hornet Management Group has been set up, chaired by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS). The group includes the Department of Agriculture, the National Biodiversity Data Centre, and the National Museum of Ireland. They will lead surveys, monitor the area, and co-ordinate efforts over the coming weeks.

Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD, said the sighting must be taken seriously. “Asian Hornets are a threat to our native pollinators and biodiversity. Early detection is key. I urge everyone to be vigilant and report sightings to help us protect nature.”

The sighting was reported online to the National Biodiversity Data Centre by a member of the public. A photograph was checked by experts, confirming it was an Asian Hornet. A survey team was sent to the area and trapped one hornet on 12 August. No nest has been found so far. Monitoring will continue to see if more are present.

The public is being asked to report suspected sightings through the Alien Watch portal at: https://records.biodiversityireland.ie/record/invasives

If you see one:

- Do not try to catch or disturb it

- Take a photo if safe

- Record the location

- If found dead, it can be collected for testing

Asian Hornets can be confused with native insects such as the giant woodwasp or common wasp.

The Asian Hornet is native to Asia. It arrived in France in 2004, likely in a shipment from China, and spread quickly through Europe. There are also control efforts in the UK and the US.

This is only the second confirmed sighting in Ireland. The first was in Dublin in 2021 and was not linked to a nest.

Áinle Ní Bhriain, Director of EU and International Affairs at NPWS, said: “An effective rapid response and public awareness are vital. We are working with partners north and south to ensure the island is ready for any increased threat.”

The NPWS says public reports are crucial in stopping invasive species before they spread.