YLAH Outreach News - September 2026
To date 207 credible Yellow-legged Asian Hornet sightings have been reported in the UK in 2026, resulting in the identification of 68 nests. The latest nest (secondary) was discovered in Batchelors Bump, East Sussex. Details from the NBU are shared weekly on the BBKA WhatsApp group and channel . More details can be found here .
Sweet Ivy!
A recent post by a Regional Bee Inspector
The hornets have been seen targeting apiaries. If you see a colony where the bees are congregating at the entrance seemingly without purpose with reduced foraging flights, it's worth spending some time observing. The hornets ‘just appear’, flying around the colonies low to the ground, often leaving then coming back before targeting the bees. Only one or two colonies may be showing this entrance behaviour amongst a number of others. This behaviour can take place when the hornets are just scouting the apiary, or if they have been actively hawking there. There are other reasons this could be happening, but at this time of year, and with a nest being found in the NW (plus Runcorn in 2025) some extra vigilance would be prudent. The ivy will be out now/soon.
Resources
We have updated our YLAH nest banner, the new template can be found on the member hub Yellow-Legged Asian Hornet > Raising Awareness > Banners & Posters.
YLAH nest video footage from Jersey - credit Maggie Milledge, Devon BKA - can be viewed on our member hub Yellow-Legged Asian Hornet > Images, Graphics & Video Content.
The National Bee Unit, Yellow Legged Hornet Update by Dan Etheridge. View the content shared for YLAH week Yellow-Legged Asian Hornet > Frequently Asked Questions and Newsletters > Outreach Newsletters 2026.
Yellow Socks for Andy Burnham
Yellow socks were sent to Andy Burnham first class during YLAH Week. I wonder if he wore them?
Oldham Nest Destruction
More images and footage can be found on the member hub Yellow-Legged Asian Hornet > Images, Graphics & Video Content.
General Discussion Forum | 27TH October 7pm. An opportunity to ask questions, share best practices, and engage in an open discussion with the YLAH Committee.
Join here (Meeting ID: 841 1990 8766 Passcode:133697)
If you have any questions ahead of the forum,
please send them to:
outreach.officer@bbka.org.uk
.
YLAH are Hitchhikers
The risk isn’t simply about them gradually moving closer to us. YLAH are hitchhikers. They can travel in vehicles, trailers, caravans, freight and other items, meaning they can turn up well away from known sightings.
That’s why we keep seeing them “pop up” in new places, and then hearing “Who knew they were here?”
The reality is that any area could potentially have them arrive by hitchhiking, regardless of whether there have been previous sightings nearby.
Download and share the Check Your Car poster Yellow-Legged Asian Hornet > Raising Awareness > Banners & Posters.
Is there anything specific you would like to see in this newsletter?
Please contact Teresa at outreach.officer@bbka.org.uk
