Asian Hornet sightings and reporting

​​Report an Asian hornet sighting or nest

Report your sightings:

• on the Asian Hornet Watch app for Apple or Asian Hornet Watch app for Android. The app is free to download
• by email at asianhornet@gov.je. Include the location and a picture
• by calling +44 (0) 1534 441633. Tell us your name, phone number, the location where you saw the hornet or nest, and brief information on what you saw

Don’t report to us your UK or USA sightings. For the UK, find information on sightings Asian hornet on GOV.UK​. For the USA, contact your State Department of Agriculture.

You should report all suspected nests. Never try to disturb, remove or treat a nest yourself. Asian hornets can aggressively defend their nest area.

If you find an individual hornet, you can capture it:

• from November to June, and keep it until we advise you
• from July to October, and release it once you have reported your sighting. It would be helpful to know which direction it flies off in

Only capture a hornet if it can be done safely.

Why Asian hornets are dangerous

Asian hornets are also known as a yellow-legged hornet.

The Asian Hornet arrived in Jersey in August 2016. Every year we destroy many nests to control its spread.

A single insect presents the same threat to humans as wasps or European hornets. However, If a nest is disturbed they can react aggressively to defend it, and can sting multiple times

In Jersey, Asian Hornets are also an invasive species because they are aggressive predators of native insects. They are also a threat to honeybees. 

What do they look like

Asian hornets have:

• bodies that are generally dark in colour with black and dark brown
• rears that are dark brown with a distinct yellow or mustard band
• fine waists with a bright yellow 'belt'
• legs which have a brown upper part with distinct yellow lower leg
• heads that are black head with orange and yellow face
• sleek shapes similar to wasps

Worker hornets measure up to 25mm in length. Queens measure up to 33cm. They have a smaller size to the European Hornet but larger than the Common Wasp.

Advice when you’re working outside

Asian hornets’ nests can be well camouflaged in foliage and very difficult to see.

Early in the season nests can be the size of a tennis ball. From late July they can be the size of a football and larger.

When you’re working outside, you should:

• examine the area before you start work
• look for any unusual insect activity or anything that could be a hornet's nest
• stop if you suspect unusual insect activity or a nest
• stay at least 10 metres away from a nest. Don’t touch, disturb or cause vibrations around it
• report any possible hornet or nest sightings 
  

You usually find nests high in trees but also in:

• brambles
• hedges
• garden sheds
• building and roof spaces
• cliffs
• the ground

Dealing with a sting from a hornet, wasp or bee

Immediately move to a place of safety if you’re stung. One sting can lead to an aggressive reaction by more hornets, wasps or bees.

You should:

• apply a cold compress or ice pack to the sting site
• elevate the sting area if possible
• avoid scratching

A sting will usually cause a red, swollen lump. This may be painful and itchy, but symptoms should improve within a few hours to a few days

Some people have a mild allergic reaction. A larger area around the sting may become swollen and painful.

Ask your pharmacist about painkillers, anti-itching creams and antihistamines.

Always seek medical advice if:

• the sting is in the mouth, throat or near the eyes
• fever, swollen glands for flu-like symptoms develop
• symptoms don't improve or get worse

Serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction that happens very quickly. It can be caused by:

• insect stings
• food
• medicine

It’s a serious condition and needs to be treated in hospital immediately.

Find symptoms and how to deal with anaphylaxis on NHS​.