The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) has successfully completed the safe and controlled removal of an Asian Hornet nest in Dundonald today (18 October), close to the location of the first reported sighting on 10 October.
The Asian hornet nest found in Dundonald that was successfully removed.
The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) has successfully completed the safe and controlled removal of an Asian hornet nest in Dundonald today (18 October), close to the location of the first reported sighting on 10 October.
This is the first occurrence of such a nest in Northern Ireland. The Asian hornet poses a significant threat to honeybees, native insects, pollinators and local ecosystems, as well as crop production which relies on pollinators.
The operation was led by NIEA officers (Invasive Non-Native Species Team), using the services of a suitably trained pest control company, with advice provided by the UK Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and on the ground support from an official from the National Biodiversity Data Centre in Waterford through the Shared Island Biosecurity and Invasive Species Initiative.
Surveillance will continue in the area to monitor any Asian hornet activity.
Rose Muir from the NIEA INNS Team urges continued vigilance amongst the public and beekeeping community, and reporting of any suspected sightings, post nest destruction, via the Asian Hornet Watch app – https://www.brc.ac.uk/app/asian-hornet-watch or CEDaR – https://www2.habitas.org.uk/records/ISI.
