Urgent search for Asian hornet nest in Cork after second insect found

Experts are racing to locate a possible nest before a mated queen can escape and overwinter elsewhere in Ireland

Asian hornet (Vespa velutina), also known as the yellow-legged hornet or Asian predatory wasp, is a species of hornet indigenous to Southeast Asia. Picture: iStock

An urgent search is underway for an Asian hornet nest in Co Cork after a second insect belonging to the invasive species was found.

There are fears that a mated queen could be inside a nest in the greater Ringaskiddy area and, if she leaves to find another refuge and overwinters here, this could lead to a serious environmental issue.

Asian hornets pose a significant threat to Ireland’s biodiversity as they can cause serious damage to a wide range of insect species, including key pollinators such as honeybees.

The discovery of a second hornet was confirmed by biodiversity minister Christopher O’Sullivan.

He said both hornets were found in the Ringaskiddy area and were likely to have arrived there on a ship.

Mr O’Sullivan said both hornets were dead and that specialists are now setting traps in the locality in the hope of capturing a live drone hornet.

If they capture one, they will fit the insect with a satellite tracker and release it in the hope that it will lead them to a nest.

‘A bit of urgency’

Mr O’Sullivan said rangers from the National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) were deployed to the area as soon as the first hornet was discovered and the Asian Hornet management plan was activated.

He said the discovery of the second hornet on Wednesday had greatly increased the likelihood of a nest being present in the area, but expressed confidence that the experienced team would locate it if one exists.

It is understood the first hornet was killed by the person who found it. They then put it in a freezer and notified the relevant authorities, including the National Biodiversity Data Centre.

Mr O’Sullivan said he wanted to thank that person and asked the public to remain vigilant.

How to spot an Asian hornet

Mr O’Sullivan said destroying a nest was the most effective way of halting the spread of Asian hornets.

However, he warned that if the search continued too far into October, there was a risk that a mated queen could leave the nest and find another refuge for the winter.

If that happened, he said, the queen could potentially establish itself elsewhere and overwinter in Ireland for the first time.

He said there was therefore “a bit of urgency” in locating a nest.

Mr O’Sullivan said he remained confident in the team on the ground, pointing to their success in locating and destroying two nests within a short period last year.

Two nests found last year

One nest was located in the Cobh area of Co Cork and another near The Lough in Cork City.

The first verified Asian hornet in Ireland was recorded in Dublin in 2021.

Native to Southeast Asia, Asian hornets have spread across Europe, with increasing numbers spotted in recent years in France and Britain.