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An Asian hornet nest has been located near Ringaskiddy, Co Cork, using miniature tracking devices, by the National Parks and Wildlife Service. The nest will be removed.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has located an Asian hornet nest near Ringaskiddy, Co Cork, using miniature tracking devices attached to the insects. The operation followed the recent discovery of two Asian hornets in the area, including one captured after a member of the public photographed another last week.
The nest will now be removed, and monitoring will continue to identify any further activity. The Asian hornet is an invasive species that poses a significant threat to native Irish honeybees.
Tracking Technology Aids Rapid Nest Location
Minister for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O’Sullivan said efforts had been escalated following the successful capture of a second Asian hornet in Ringaskiddy, close to where a member of the public had photographed another one last week. At the time, O’Sullivan called for renewed public vigilance following the discovery.
The operation to locate the nest involved the use of miniature tracking transmitters attached to hornets, enabling the response team to rapidly trace and pinpoint the location of the nest. O’Sullivan said speed is critical in an operation like this.
He said that once reports of Asian hornets were received, it was essential that every effort was made to locate the nest as quickly as possible. The use of new technology has significantly strengthened the response capability, allowing the hornets to be tracked back to their nest, he said.
O’Sullivan said monitoring would continue over the coming days to ensure any further activity was identified and dealt with promptly. He added that the immediate priority is the safe removal of the nest and a thorough investigation of the surrounding area.
Invasive Species Threat to Honeybees
The Asian hornet is an invasive species that poses a significant threat to native Irish honeybees. Hornets hover outside beehives like helicopters to ambush and snatch returning, tired forager bees.
They use their powerful jaws to cut the heads and wings off captured bees. They then take the protein-rich thorax back to their nest to feed developing larvae.
While their venomous sting is painful, health authorities note they pose no greater direct risk to humans than native wasps or hornets, unless an individual suffers from severe allergic reactions. The Asian hornet is distinguished from other hornets, wasps, and bees by its dark, velvety body, bright yellow leg tips, and specialised hunting behaviour.
Public Reporting and Early Detection
O’Sullivan said this operation demonstrated the importance of early detection, public reporting and rapid action in managing invasive species and protecting Ireland’s biodiversity. The director general with the NPWS, Niall O’Donnchú, described the Asian hornet as a very aggressive invasive alien species, adding that the importance of finding the nest quickly cannot be overstated.
“Our teams will continue to work to establish that this is the sole nest in the vicinity,” he said. The NPWS has urged the public to remain vigilant and report any sightings of Asian hornets to help prevent the establishment of the species in Ireland.
Asian Hornet Co Cork National Parks And Wildlife Service Invasive Species Honeybees Ringaskiddy Christopher O'sullivan
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