Public encouraged to watch out for early Asian hornet queens

Tuesday 10 March 2026

Islanders are being encouraged to watch out for Asian hornet queens earlier than normal this year after an Asian hornet nest was found in St Saviour's at the start of this year.

On 2 January this year, eagle eyed members of the public spotted an Asian hornet nest in a tree next to St Saviour's Reservoir. It is likely this nest had already successfully raised new queens which may now be hibernating in the island.

As temperatures in the island begin to increase, these queen hornets may now be emerging and looking for sources of food and a place to start building their nests.

The public are being asked to keep a look out for these queens which might be visiting flowering camelias in gardens, or building nests in bird boxes or outbuildings.

The annual Spring Queening campaign will be launched at the start of April with assistance from over 230 volunteers across the island. This is part of the island's response to prevent the establishment of Asian hornets which pose environmental and public health risks.

Suspected sightings should be reported to [email protected] or telephone 01481 220110 or 07839 197082.