Overview
- NIEA completed the safe, controlled removal on 18 October near the original Dundonald sighting location.
- Officials used track-and-trace methods and live monitoring after a member of the public captured an insect later confirmed as an Asian hornet.
- NIEA led the removal with a trained pest control company, taking advice from the UK Animal and Plant Health Agency and support from the National Biodiversity Data Centre under a Shared Island initiative.
- Authorities describe the species as a serious predator of honeybees and other native insects, posing risks to pollination and local ecosystems.
- Surveillance continues locally, and the public is urged to report suspected sightings via the Asian Hornet Watch app or CEDaR and not to disturb potential nests.