Gardeners urged to do 1 job as record number of Asian hornets reported

Fears have grown in recent years as Asian hornets appear in gardens across the UK. These pests are hard to get rid of once they arrive, so it is vital to prevent them from entering your garden in the first place. The first Asian hornet nest of 2025 was discovered in April in Langley, Kent, the earliest sighting on record. These insects are invasive in UK gardens and can kill around 50 honey bees per day, meaning fewer pollinators for your flowers and other plants.

Andy Simms from MyBuilder has urged Brits to protect their gardens from Asian Hornets this summer. A single hornet nest can produce an average of 350 potential queens and male hornets for mating, and up to 6,000 workers, meaning their populations can grow rapidly while you try to deal with an infestation. These hornets were first detected in the UK in 2016, originating from China. A surge of sightings was reported last year, leading to fears of a major problem this year.

"While it's currently unlikely that most of us in the UK will see any Asian hornets, like any pests, it's harder to get rid of them once they've arrived than it is to prevent them in the first place," Simms said. "Any sightings should be reported via the Asian Hornets Watch app.

"Removing food remnants and rubbish is a simple step to take, but for increased protection you should check the seals on your windows and for any gaps in our brickwork. It seems like Asian Hornets are here in the UK to stay now, so proper measures may become necessary - and are useful to prevent other pests, too."

Removing the hornets' food source is an essential step to take. Simms advises gardeners to be wary of fruit in particular. Uneaten pet food, scraps left for wildlife and bird feeders can also attract Asian hornets.

After getting rid of a food source, there are other steps you can take to further protect your garden from Asian hornets. Simms advises gardeners to introduce plants such as spearmint and lemongrass to their space because these act as a natural repellent.

Additionally, you can purchase traps that are especially designed for Asian hornets. These insects are often described as larger and more aggressive than British wasps and bees.

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has reported 147 confirmed Asian hornet sightings in the UK since 2016, many of which were in the south of England.