Latest News from BPCA

09 July 2019

Asian hornet sighting confirmed in south Hampshire

Last Wednesday the National Bee Unit confirmed a sighting of an individual, female Asian hornet in New Milton, Hampshire, after it was reported by a member of the public. 

 Asian hornet sighted in south hampshire news image

The first confirmed sighting in the UK since October 2018, visual examination shows the hornet is likely to be a queen and monitoring is underway to detect any other Asian hornets in the vicinity.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is asking local beekeepers to be vigilant, while BPCA Technical Manager, Dee Ward-Thompson, urges our members to do the same.

"BPCA members form the first alert to these threats and are often called in to deal with such pests," says Dee. "Our members are well aware of the threat posed by Asian hornets and other invasive species, and will do everything they can to maintain the health of our honey bee population."

Nicola Spence, Defra Deputy Director for Plant and Bee Health, said:

"By ensuring we are alerted to possible sightings as early as possible, we can take swift and effective action to stamp out the threat posed by Asian hornets. That’s why we are working at speed to locate and investigate any nests in the New Milton area following this confirmed sighting."

How to spot an Asian hornet

The Asian hornet is smaller than the European hornet and is a highly aggressive predator of native insects. While it poses no greater risk to human health than a bee, they can cause incredible damage to honey bee colonies and other pollinating insects. 

It is quite easily identified by its yellow-tipped legs and dark abdomen, which sports a yellow band on the fourth segment. 

You can download a full identification guide on the Non-native species website.

Always remain on the lookout for any Asian hornets and if you think you’ve spotted one, report your sighting through the 'Asian Hornet Watch' app or by using the online report form.

Alternatively, you can email alertnonnative@ceh.ac.uk. Please include a photograph.

Source: Gov UK press release

Highlights View all news

11 June 2025

Latest news

Spending Review 2025: Key announcements at a glance and how it might affect pest management

BPCA has been closely monitoring the announcements, and although pest management wasn’t directly addressed, several changes may have implications for the sector.

Read more

06 June 2025

Latest news

Results are in: meet your new BPCA Board representatives 2025

Six new Member Directors have been chosen to help lead the Association and represent the interests of BPCA members at the highest level.

Read more

29 May 2025

Latest news

VOTING OPENS in BPCA member elections - 13 candidates stand for SIX places on BPCA Board

Voting has officially opened in the BPCA Member Elections 2025, with 13 nominees standing for SIX open seats on the Executive Board.

Read more
Latest View all news

23 July 2025

Latest news

VIDEO: The good and bad that comes with the move to LED insect light traps

Tom Holmes, former BPCA President and industry consultant, takes us through the facts, the myths, and the big questions around LED insect light traps (ILTs).

Read more

23 July 2025

Latest news

VIDEO: Environmental Risk Assessments with Insectram

Sponsored: Craig Peniket from Insectram breaks down ERAs, why they matter, and how to make them quicker and easier with the help of smart software.

Read more

23 July 2025

Latest news

VIDEO: Grey squirrel management | Planning beats guesswork

Oli Smith from Wildtrack Pro shares a practical guide to managing grey squirrels effectively – from why control is essential to the tactics that really work. 

Read more