(AGENPARL) - Roma, 11 Settembre 2026 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, ENVIRONMENT AND RURAL AFFAIRS

11 September 2026

DAERA issues fresh appeal for public vigilance over Asian hornet sightings

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) is urging the public to remain vigilant for Asian hornets despite no fresh, confirmed sightings this year.

The appeal for vigilance was issued following the completion of a two-month Asian hornet Spring Queen Monitoring Programme in the Dundonald area.

The Asian hornet, also known as the yellow-legged hornet, is an invasive non-native species originating from East Asia.

It is a highly effective predator of insects including honeybees, wasps and other important pollinators and could have a serious impact on native insect biodiversity and crop pollination.

DAERA Minister Andrew Muir said: "In October 2025, the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) removed Northern Ireland's first confirmed Asian hornet nest following its discovery in Dundonald.

"Although the monitoring did not detect any Asian hornets, there is always a risk that some may have evaded the monitoring exercise.