Record-breaking number of Asian hornet queens caught in Guernsey

Wednesday, 22 July 2026 14:30

The team tackling Guernsey's Asian hornet population has revealed that 205 queens were caught this spring.

That's up from 71 in 2025, and more than 13 times the 15 caught in 2024, according to the States' ACLMS Asian Hornet Control Annual Report.

The invasive insect is being targeted because it can harm biodiversity by killing pollinators such as honeybees.

Asian hornets can build nests in trees, hedges and brambles, but can also be found in walls, barns and attics.

Nine primary nests have been destroyed across Guernsey and Herm this year, but now that it's summer, the insects will have begun to build their large main nests, containing thousands of hornets.

Islanders are being asked to report sightings and track the direction the hornets are travelling, so nests can be located and destroyed.

Gardeners are being warned to take care when trimming, as disturbing a nest can lead to painful stings, described by Countryfile as feeling like being "jabbed with a red-hot needle".

Invasive Non-Native Species Policy & Coordination Officer Annelotte Baas-Jehan says volunteers are helping.

"It is amazing to see the success of our trapping volunteers.

"Their work is incredibly important, and without them we would not have achieved the success of capturing more than 200 queen hornets this spring.

"We’re also grateful for the wider public who report potential Asian hornets or suspected nests to us.

“If you see what you think might be an Asian hornet, please send us a photo via WhatsApp or email.

"Note the location and the direction of travel. Providing an address or what3words location is also extremely helpful.

“With this information, we can track hornets back to their nests and ensure that those nests are being treated and removed safely and efficiently.”

Send information to asianhornet@gov.gg or 07839 197082.

Asian Hornet queen numbers are reported much higher in Alderney and Jersey:

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