Credible yellow-legged Asian hornet sighting reported in Ripon as experts urge public to stay vigilant

A credible sighting of a yellow-legged Asian hornet has been reported in Ripon, prompting action by the National Bee Unit and renewed calls for members of the public to remain vigilant.

The sighting, which was submitted through the Asian Hornet Watch app along with a clear photograph and precise location details, is now being investigated.

Discriminating live-catch traps have already been deployed in the area in an effort to catch hornets and trace them back to a nest if one is present nearby.

The yellow-legged Asian hornet is an invasive, non-native species which poses a significant threat to honeybees and other important pollinating insects.

Richard Senior, Yellow-legged Asian Hornet Coordinator for the Yorkshire Beekeepers' Association, said the Ripon report demonstrates why members of the public play a vital role in identifying the species.

He said: "There are a few insects in the UK that can look similar to a yellow-legged Asian hornet at a glance.

"The app lets experts see a photo and the exact location straight away, and that's what turns a sighting into something the National Bee Unit can actually act on."

He has urged anyone who believes they have spotted a yellow-legged Asian hornet to report it using the free Asian Hornet Watch app rather than attempting to deal with the insect themselves.

"They're highly aggressive if you get anywhere near the nest, and will defend it in numbers," he said.

"Anecdotal evidence suggests they can even sting through a regular bee suit – this isn't something to deal with yourself.

"Leave it to people trained, equipped and licensed to handle it safely."

Yellow-legged Asian hornets prey heavily on honeybees as well as butterflies, hoverflies and other beneficial insects.

Experts estimate a single nest can consume around 11kg of insects during a season, while one colony can produce up to 200 new queens.

Even if only a small proportion survive the winter, they can establish dozens of new nests the following year.

According to the latest figures, 82 credible yellow-legged Asian hornet sightings have been recorded across the UK so far this year, with 21 nests discovered by July 31.

Last year, a nest near Langton, close to Malton, was located and destroyed after it was reported by a member of the public, while there has also been previous activity in the Yarm area.