With spring temperatures expected to soar to 29°C this Bank Holiday weekend, gardening expert Luke Newnes is urging Brits to take proactive steps to protect their homes from Asian hornets. These invasive insects pose a growing threat as warmer weather increases their activity across the UK.
Asian hornets are rapidly expanding their range, with sightings no longer limited to coastal areas but now spreading inland. Newnes warns that 2026 is shaping up to be the most concerning year yet due to the fast-growing populations and geographical spread.
“The key time to act is between April and early June, when queens are still solitary and nests can be disrupted before colony sizes explode later in the summer,” Newnes explains. He emphasizes the importance of vigilance during this queen-trapping window to slow the hornet population growth.
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To help, Newnes recommends two essential measures: downloading the Asian Hornet Watch app to report sightings promptly and installing fly screens on windows or patio doors. “Fly screens are invaluable for preventing hornets from entering homes, especially during May and the summer months,” he says.
Homeowners are also encouraged to closely monitor flowering plants, fruit trees, and areas with abundant bee activity, which attract these predatory hornets. However, Newnes cautions against approaching or attempting to remove suspected nests, as disturbed hornets can become aggressive. Professional intervention is always advised.
Beekeepers should remain particularly vigilant and inspect hive entrances regularly during spring, when hornet activity increases. While Kent and the South East remain high-risk areas, confirmed sightings have now been recorded as far afield as the North East, North West, South West, and even Ireland.
Originating from Asia and accidentally introduced to France in 2004, the Asian hornet is an efficient predator of honeybees and other pollinators, posing significant risks to local ecosystems. As milder spring conditions persist, experts anticipate further spread throughout 2026, underscoring the need for public awareness and early action.