Report an Asian hornet sighting

Quick, accurate reporting helps authorities track and control the spread of the Asian hornet. Follow the checklist below, then use the official link for your country. Not sure what you saw? Double-check the identification guide first.

Checklist

  1. Stay safe — keep your distance from any nest; do not disturb.
  2. Take a photo (or short video) if safe. Aim to show yellow legs and the orange band toward the end of the abdomen.
  3. Record details — date, time, precise location (GPS), number seen, behaviour (feeding, nest, flight path).
  4. Report via the official channel for your country (below).

Prefer something printable? Download the 1-page ID & reporting checklist (PDF).

United Kingdom

  • Asian Hornet Watch app — report with photo directly to authorities. (Apple / Android)
  • Non Native Species Alert at The UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology — report a sighting: online form.

France

  • Government guidance — Ministère de l’Agriculture: agriculture.gouv.fr
  • Local mairie / préfecture — follow local instructions. (France no longer records every sighting centrally.)

Elsewhere in Europe

Check your national agriculture or environment ministry website for the current reporting procedure. If unsure, contact your local beekeeping association (see Resources).

Photo & evidence tips

  • Try to capture a clear side view showing yellow legs and the single orange band toward the end of the abdomen.
  • Use zoom rather than moving closer; avoid shadows and motion blur.
  • If no photo is possible, detailed notes (size, colour, behaviour, location) still help.

Safety notice

⚠️ Do not attempt to destroy a nest yourself. Nests can contain thousands of hornets and are dangerous if disturbed. Control should be carried out by trained professionals.

After you report

  • Authorities may contact you for more information or to request the original photo/video.
  • Where appropriate, inspectors may visit the location to assess and, if needed, locate a nest.
  • Not every report receives a personal reply, but all verified reports help improve the response.

Sightings map

This interactive map shows confirmed and suspected sightings in the UK based on public reports and updates from official sources. Accuracy and completeness depend on those sources. In France, the Asian hornet is established nationwide and sightings are not recorded centrally.