Asian hornet captured in Cork sparks public vigilance campaign
A citizen in Ringaskiddy captured an Asian hornet, prompting officials to urge residents to watch for further sightings.
In Ringaskiddy, a member of the public spotted, photographed and captured an Asian hornet, an invasive insect originally from Southeast Asia. The find was quickly relayed to the National Biodiversity Centre, triggering a rapid response led by the National Parks and Wildlife Services, which have previously removed two nests in Cork. Christopher O’Sullivan, the nature minister, reported no further activity linked to this sighting and highlighted the hornet’s dangerous sting and its threat to bee colonies.
The National Museum of Ireland is now analyzing the captured insect to assess risks. Officials are urging citizens to remain alert, recognize the hornet’s distinctive orange-yellow face, and report sightings through the online system managed by the National Biodiversity Data Centre.
