Fears 'killer' Asian hornets found in Somerset for the first time are swarming across England

See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred Source Published: 10:52 EDT, 7 September 2026 | Updated: 10:59 EDT, 7 September 2026 Fears are growing over swarming Asian hornets which have been found in Somerset for the first time and are spreading across England.The predators are native to China but were last week found by a beekeeper in a woodland in Ashcott, near Street. They tagged the hornet and followed it to its nest in a bramble patch in a woodland clearing, which was swiftly destroyed.The beekeeper also reported the incident to the county's Asian Hornet Action Team (AHAT).The invasive species is known for hunting down other essential insects, particularly native bees. Just one of the predatory hornets - which have bright yellow legs, a black thorax with a single orange band and an orange face - can eat up to 50 honey bees in a single day.A queen hornet can consume 11.3kg of insects - about 90,000 insects - in a season, devastating local ecosystems. Their sting is not only 'incredibly painful' but they have also caused fatalities on the continent. Fears are growing over swarming Asian hornets which have been found in Somerset for the first time and are spreading across England The predators are native to China but were last week found by a beekeeper in a woodland in Ashcott, near StreetBeekeepers have said increasing temperatures due to climate change are helping the species spread as they fly on warmer winds and are less likely to die off in harsh winters, which are becoming less frequent. Somerset's first ever Asian hornet nest was the 53rd nest discovered in England this year after 163 nests were located in 2025 and Lynne Ingram, head of Somerset's AHAT, said she hoped it was the 'last' found in the county.She added: 'It is concerning that they have reached this county and everyone must be vigilant.'We really need to be finding the nests before the mating queens have emerged and go into hibernation.'Mark White, from the East Dorset Beekeepers Association, warned last year that the Asian hornet population was growing 'exponentially' in southern counties.He said there is nothing to stop the hornet population from surging as they are top of the food chain and each nest produces about 300 queens.Mr White added: 'They have got a buffet for them out there and they can pick out what they want - the conditions are right for them.'In the UK the temperature is akin to where they come from in their native China so it is just like being at home.'As well as being an apex predator they are prolific at reproduction. Once we know where they are we can try and take their nests out as every nest we take out will not reproduce. The hornet was tagged and followed to its nest in a bramble patch in a woodland clearing, which was swiftly destroyed Somerset's first ever Asian hornet nest was the 53rd nest discovered in England this year'Every queen or nest we don't destroy now is potentially five or six nests next year.'Asian hornets first arrived in France in a cargo of pottery from China about 20 years ago, spreading rapidly across the continent.The predators pose a huge threat to over 1,000 native species they feed on, including honey bees, bumble bees and butterflies.Members of the public are urged to remain vigilant and report any sightings on the Asian Hornet Watch app.