Guernsey’s Asian Hornet Team has launched its eighth annual ‘Spring Queening’ programme, an island-wide trapping initiative aimed at tackling the invasive species.
This year is described by the team as particularly critical, as queen hornets have been recorded earlier than in any previous year.
Last year’s 2025 annual report also confirmed a large increase in the number of Asian Hornets captured locally with 71 between January and November.
To tackle the spread of the species, volunteers have deployed nearly 260 traps at 500m intervals to try and capture queens as they emerge from hibernation.
The team taking on Asian hornets say that two queens have already been identified, one captured in Herm and another spotted at Le Grande Pre Nature reserve.
Julia Henney, Guernsey Senior Natural Environment Officer said: “We would like to extend a huge thank you to all the volunteers across the island who have once again offered their support with the Spring Queening programme.
“This is our first line of defence to prevent Asian hornets establishing and it is only possible with their support. This year is set to be a particularly critical year for this programme, with queen hornets having been caught earlier than any other year.”
You can report sightings via 07839 197082 or through asianhornet@gov.gg.