Public urged to be vigilant after capture of deadly Asian hornet in Cork

Sighting of single Asian hornet in Ringaskiddy triggered 'a rapid response plan' that was led by the National Parks and Wildlife Services

Two Asian hornets were spotted in Cork last year.

The capture of a potentially deadly Asian hornet in Cork has prompted calls for the public to be vigilant and report any sightings of the species.

Last week, an Asian hornet was spotted, photographed and captured by a member of the public in Ringaskiddy. 

The National Biodiversity Centre was quickly notified.

The hornet, which typically hail from Southeast Asia, have been identified on numerous occasions in Ireland since the species first arrived in Europe in 2004. 

Two hornet nests were spotted in Cork last year.

Packed with venom, a single sting to an individual allergic to wasps can prove fatal. Non-fatal stings can cause organ failure, rashes and nausea.

How to spot an Asian hornet.

The sighting of the single Asian hornet in Ringaskiddy triggered “a rapid response plan” that was led by the National Parks and Wildlife Services (NPWS).

“NPWS conservation rangers have been surveying and monitoring the area extensively since the sighting was reported, using the methods which helped us to locate and remove two nests in Cork last year,” said nature minister Christopher O’Sullivan.

“I am pleased to report that there is no evidence of any further activity associated with this sighting,” he said.

The National Museum of Ireland is currently examining the specimen and the risk it poses to Ireland.

Alongside potential threats to humans, the hornet can eviscerate entire beehives and is seen as a critical threat to pollinators.

“It is important that we stay alert. That’s why I am asking members of the public to remain vigilant and keep an eye out for Asian hornet activity in their gardens, and other outdoor areas,” Mr O’Sullivan said.

“Early detection is key if we are to prevent this species from gaining a foothold in Ireland and damaging our pollinators and ecosystems," Mr O'Sullivan said.

If people spot the hornet, which is only an inch long and has a distinctive orange-yellow face, they are urged to report it to the online Asian hornet reporting system managed by the National Biodiversity Data Centre.