The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) has confirmed the safe and controlled removal of an Asian Hornet nest in Dundonald today, just eight days after the first sighting was reported in the area.

This marks the first recorded nest of the invasive species in Northern Ireland.

The Asian Hornet is known to pose a serious threat to honeybees, native insects and pollinators, which play a vital role in maintaining biodiversity and supporting crop production.

The removal operation was carried out by NIEA’s Invasive Non-Native Species Team in collaboration with a licensed pest control company.

Expert guidance was provided by the UK Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), while on-the-ground support came from the National Biodiversity Data Centre in Waterford. The effort was part of the Shared Island Biosecurity and Invasive Species Initiative.

In September of this year, two hornet nests were removed in Cork City and in Cobh in a response effort led by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).

Surveillance in the Dundonald area will continue in the coming weeks to detect any further activity. NIEA is urging the public and beekeepers to remain alert and report any suspected sightings through the Asian Hornet Watch app or via CEDaR.