On 10th of May, a further Asian hornet was found near to Four Oaks, Kent by the NBU in traps set as part of the spring trapping work. In addition, an Asian hornet was located by a member of the public in Lympne, Kent, on 9th of May. The insect was killed, captured, and subsequently collected by an NBU inspector. Both of these specimens have been sent to the lab for analysis and official confirmation.

Genetic analysis has now been completed on the three other queens found at Four Oaks, Kent, and the single individuals at Romford, London, and Ash, Kent. The analysis has indicated that the hornets found at Four Oaks are overwintered offspring of the nest destroyed in Rye, Kent, in November 2023. However, there is no evidence to show that the hornets found in Romford and Ash are the offspring of any of the nests from last year.

The NBU is continuing the spring trapping work, which includes monitoring the areas around Lympne and Four Oaks.

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

Please direct all media enquiries to Defra Press Office.