A number of shocking pictures have emerged showing a huge insect, measured at almost 5cm, in a man’s home- sparking fears that Asian hornets have returned.

It was found by Neil Caines in his Kent home, who then went on to share the photos on Facebook asking what the enormous wasp-like creature was, Kent Live reports.

His post was met with horrified comments from people who warned him: "It's an Asian hornet, be careful it's dangerous."

Another worried commenter wrote: "Feel free to kill it. Asian hornets are a massive problem in Europe.

"They kill bees and aren't supposed to be in our regions. If you find the nest contact local authorities as they can be mortal to us!"

It was almost 5cm long

However, the markings on the insect indicate it is probably a native European hornet- which is less of a threat than the Asian hornet.

Mr Caines said: "I just found one in my living room this morning.

"I had all my doors open yesterday so it probably just came in.

"It looks like it could have just opened the door itself!

"I heard it last night but couldn't see it. Found it this morning."

What's a European hornet?

The photos were shared on Facebook


Our native European hornet looks like a large wasp, with a mainly yellow body and brown legs.

Their heads are brown and yellow, and they often have black markings on their legs.

It is the largest wasp in Europe and is often around 50mm.

They may seem terrifying but insect experts say they are less likely to sting you than the common wasp as they generally avoid conflict.

But their sting can be painful and due to their size, they release a potentially dangerous amount of venom, so you should seek medical attention if you get stung.

Hornets release more venom per sting than any other stinging insect.

What's an Asian hornet?

According the gov.uk website, the Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) is dangerous to our honey bees and pollinating insects.

It is smaller than our native hornet and poses no greater risk to human health than other hornets or bees.

But beekeeping experts shave said it would be "disastrous to the ecosystem" if they settle in the UK.

It was found in his home

Which is why everyone is being encouraged to report suspected sightings.

When a sighting is confirmed, experts from the National Bee Unit (NBU) and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) will work quickly to find and destroy any active nests in the area.

There is a risk of accidentally transporting an Asian hornet when returning to the UK from abroad.

Are they in the UK?

There have been 13 confirmed sightings of the Asian hornet in England and six nests have been destroyed.

Nine of these sightings occurred in 2018; an individual hornet in Lancashire (April) and Hull, three in Cornwall, two in Hampshire, one in Surrey (all September).

The last known sighting of an Asian hornet was in Kent in October 14, 2018.

The government insists there have been no sightings since.

Nicola Spence, Chief Plant Health Officer, said: "By ensuring we are alerted to possible sightings as early as possible, we can take swift and effective action to stamp out the threat posed by Asian hornets.



What does an Asian hornet look like?

There is some advice on what to do if you see an Asian hornet


Asian hornets:

  • have a dark brown or black velvety body
  • have a yellow or orange band on fourth segment of abdomen
  • have yellow tipped legs
  • are smaller than the native European hornet
  • are not active at night

What should I do if I come across an Asian Hornet?

  • They are drawn to perfume and aftershave.
  • They're also agitated by the smell of alcohol.
  • Sightings should be sent with a photograph and location details to alertnonnative@ceh.ac.uk
