An Inspector from the Animal and Plant Health Agency’s (APHA), National Bee Unit has responded to a sighting of a lone Asian Hornet (Vespa velutina) in Westfield, Hastings, East Sussex on 19 January 2024 following a report by a member of the public after discovering it in the footwell of their car. Despite searching the area, we have been unable to locate a sample. Local Asian Hornet Teams have been alerted and are continuing to monitor in the area.  The National Bee Unit encourages beekeepers and the public to remain vigilant this spring after 72 nests were found and killed in England during 2023. 

Please report sightings of Vespa velutina using the Asian hornet Watch app for Apple devices android devices or online form.

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