More Asian Hornets have been discovered in Ireland following the confirmed sighting in Cork earlier this month, prompting intensified surveillance efforts to contain the biosecurity threat posed by the invasive species.
The Department of Heritage confirmed that additional sightings have occurred since the initial Cork discovery, leading to expanded monitoring activities by specialized survey teams. The Asian Hornet Management Group has consulted with UK experts and is closely monitoring the developing situation.
Asian Hornets, native to southeast Asia, represent a significant biodiversity threat due to their capacity to devastate honeybee populations through aggressive hunting behavior and hive colonization. The species is considered invasive across many European countries but has remained rare in Ireland until recently.
The Cork sighting marked only the second verified Asian Hornet detection in Ireland, following an initial confirmed case in Dublin in 2021. The rarity of these occurrences has made the recent cluster of sightings particularly concerning for biosecurity officials.
“As a result, the survey and monitoring team have intensified efforts,” the Department of Heritage stated, while noting that specific locations of sightings and monitoring activities are not being disclosed for operational reasons.
Authorities emphasize that while Asian Hornets are not generally aggressive toward humans, they may sting if provoked. The public is advised against approaching or attempting to capture suspected specimens.
Instead, officials encourage reporting suspected sightings through the National Biodiversity Data Centre’s online portal, including photographs when possible to aid in identification and response efforts.
The expanded presence of Asian Hornets raises concerns about potential establishment of breeding populations in Ireland, which could have severe implications for native bee colonies and broader ecosystem health. Response teams continue working to assess the scope of the incursion and implement containment measures.