Asian hornet captured in Cork sparks public warning and reporting drive

Last week a resident of Ringaskiddy captured an Asian hornet, an invasive insect originally from Southeast Asia that has been recorded in Ireland multiple times since 2004. The find was immediately forwarded to the National Biodiversity Centre, triggering a rapid response led by the National Parks and Wildlife Services. Conservation rangers have been conducting extensive monitoring around Cork, employing methods that previously helped locate two nests last year.

Christopher O’Sullivan reported that no further hornet activity has been detected and that the National Museum of Ireland is assessing the captured specimen for risk. He warned that the hornet’s sting can be fatal to allergic individuals and that the species poses a severe threat to beehives and pollinator health. The public is asked to remain vigilant and report sightings through the Asian hornet reporting system managed by the National Biodiversity Data Centre.