Asian Hornet Queen Trapping Programme Relaunch

States of Guernsey News

Published April 2nd, 2026

Detected April 2nd, 2026

Summary

The States of Guernsey has relaunched its eighth annual island-wide Asian hornet queen trapping programme, distributing nearly 260 traps to volunteers positioned at approximately 500m intervals. Two queen hornets have already been detected—one trapped in Herm and another spotted at Le Grand Pre Nature Reserve. The public is urged to remain vigilant and report any sightings to the Asian Hornet Team.

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What changed

The States of Guernsey has launched year eight of its Asian Hornet Queen trapping programme, deploying nearly 260 traps to volunteer networks across the island at roughly 500m intervals. The programme aims to capture queen hornets as they emerge from hibernation and forage for nectar before nest building begins. Early detections include two queens already caught—one in Herm and one reported at Le Grand Pre by a member of the public.

Islanders are encouraged to report all Asian hornet sightings to the Asian Hornet Team via phone/WhatsApp (07839 197082) or email (asianhornet@gov.gg), ideally with a photo attached. The Senior Natural Environment Officer noted that this year is particularly critical as queens have been caught earlier than any previous year. No compliance deadlines or penalties apply; this is a voluntary public reporting initiative.

Source document (simplified)

Thursday 02 April 2026

The island-wide programme of trapping for Asian hornet queens has relaunched for the eighth year.

Almost 260 traps have been delivered to a network of volunteers across the island at roughly 500m intervals, all of which aim to attract and trap queen Asian hornets as they emerge from hibernation and forage for nectar. After emerging from hibernation, a queen hornet will travel up to 1km foraging for nectar sources and building up reserves before she starts nest building.

Two queen hornets have already been found - one was caught in a trap in Herm and a second was spotted by a member of the public at Le Grande Pre Nature reserve.

Islanders are once again encouraged to remain vigilant and report any sightings of Asian hornets. At this time of year, they can often turn up in houses and members of the public are reminded to try to prevent them from being released back into the wild, and to report all sightings to the Asian Hornet Team by calling or WhatsApp to 07839 197082, or by sending an email to asianhornet@gov.gg with a photo attached where possible.

Julia Henney, 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."