Latest News from BPCA

06 October 2016

UPDATE: Asian hornets nest found near Bristol

The pumpkin-sized hornet's nest was at the top of a 17m conifer found in Tetbury, Gloucestershire.

Asian hornets are in invasive species of hornet that pose no significant risk to human health although, they do kill honey bees. They were first confirmed in the UK last month.

The one inch long species of hornet was discovered for the first time in Channel Islands Jersey and Alderney this summer, although experts are still unsure exactly how they arrived here. It's possible that they've been accidentally imported with plants and timber. Our mainland European neighbours have been dealing with these new pests for over ten years now. However, this will be the first time UK pest controllers will have to deal with this species.

The Bees, Wasps, and Ants Recording Society commented:

"Following the recent discovery of two Asian Hornet workers near Tetbury in Gloucestershire, bee inspectors from the National Bee Unit have visited over 100 sites in the local area.

"Asian Hornets were found at six locations within 500m of the original sighting."

The Animal & Plant Health Agency commented:

"Inspectors from the National Bee Unit, part of the APHA, are continuing to monitor the area for Asian hornets alongside local beekeepers. However, to date, no live hornets have been seen since the nest was removed."

Sightings should be sent with a photograph and local details to alertnonnative@ceh.ac.uk

Source: BPCA.org.uk

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

25 July 2025

Latest news

Raccoons on watchlist as possible invader

A team of experts representing 42 organisations across the UK and Europe have identified raccoons as being among 20 species most likely to become invasive in Britain over the next decade.

Read more

24 July 2025

Latest news

BPCA shortlisted for Association Excellence Awards 2025

BPCA is delighted to announce that we’ve been shortlisted in two different categories at the Association Excellence Awards (AEA).

Read more

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