Asian hornet sighting triggers calls for public vigilance

Cillian Ferry

Members of the public are being asked to remain vigilant after a single Asian Hornet was captured in Cork.

The hornet was spotted and photographed by a member of the public in the Ringaskiddy area last week. The sighting was reported to the National Biodiversity Data Centre, triggering a response by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).

NPWS Conservation Rangers have been surveying and monitoring the area since the report, using methods that helped locate and remove two Asian Hornet nests in Cork last year.

The National Museum of Ireland will now examine the specimen, contributing to our knowledge about this invasive species and the risk it poses to Ireland.

The Minister for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD, said there was currently no evidence of further activity linked to the latest sighting. He said that the response showed that the early warning and rapid response model works and urged people to remain alert for signs of the invasive species in gardens and other outdoor areas.

“Early detection is key if we are to prevent this species from gaining a foothold in Ireland and damaging our pollinators and ecosystems. The online Asian hornet reporting system, which is managed by the National Biodiversity Data Centre makes it easier than ever to report a sighting,” he said.

The Asian Hornet, also known as the Yellow-legged Hornet, is a serious threat to Ireland’s biodiversity despite not posing a major public health risk. Just one nest can wipe out local honey bee populations.

Members of the public are encouraged to photograph sightings of the Asian Hornet and report it to the National Biodiversity Data Centre. Members of the public should not attempt to handle hornets, and widespread trapping is not currently recommended as it poses unnecessary risks to native insects and Asian hornet numbers remain very low.