BeeBase News

• Spring trapping in Caergwrle near Wrexham in Wales

  Spring trapping to take place in the Caergwrle area, near Wrexham in Wales

  Following the finding of a dead yellow-legged hornet nest in the Caergwrle area, near Wrexham, the Welsh Government (WG) has asked the National Bee Unit (NBU) to undertake local targeted Spring trapping. They will place selective traps within a 5km radius around the site. It is important to carry out trapping in a way that minimises the impact on non-target, native insects (bycatch). To reduce the risk of bycatch, the NBU will be using Vespa Catch Select traps, which will be checked regularly. (Please note, this is not an endorsement of a particular trap, other traps are available from other manufacturers and trap design is evolving all the time.) Trapping will commence in mid-April until the end of June. However, if sightings of yellow-legged hornet are confirmed during this period, and evidence supports the likelihood of worker activity, the NBU will switch to outbreak response and will commence actions to find and destroy nests. This is considered to be the most effective control mechanism against the yellow-legged hornet.

  At this stage, Welsh Government is not committing to wider or routine Spring trapping across Wales. Future decisions will be based on the pattern of any further nests, the developing evidence, and expert advice. Our approach will remain precautionary, proportionate, and led by the best available science and evidence.

  We rely on beekeepers and members of the public to report and provide a photo of suspected sightings of yellow -legged hornet using this online form or the free Asian Hornet Watch app for Apple devices or Android devices. To highlight that YLH have been found in Wales, WG has produced a new leaflet, Yellow-legged hornet: what to look out for | GOV.WALES.

  Yellow-legged Asian Hornet Teams play a very important role in a response and WG and the NBU would like to thank them for their continued efforts. We would welcome and strongly encourage all associations in Wales to establish teams if they have not done so already. Having a network of teams across Wales, working in partnership with the NBU, to report sightings of yellow-legged hornets and to heighten awareness of the hornets in communities will help us stop this invasive insect from spreading.  For more details on the use of selective traps and monitoring stations for yellow-legged hornet monitoring, please view the fact sheet on yellow-legged hornet monitoring (please note there are now newer versions of some of the traps pictured available).

• Vacancy - Bee Health Operational Lead (Outbreak)

  The National Bee Unit has a vacancy for a SEO Bee Health Operational Delivery Lead (Outbreak). If you are interested in applying, please follow the link below to the advertisement in the Civil Service Jobs and apply before 11:55 pm on Monday 13th April 2026.

  Bee Health Operational Delivery Lead - Civil Service Jobs - GOV.UK

  If you have any questions regarding the position, please contact the Plant and Bee Health Recruitment Team - phsijobs@apha.gov.uk.

• Yellow-legged hornet 2026 rolling update

  Please report sightings of Yellow-legged hornets (YLH), also known as Asian hornets, on this online form or download the free Asian hornet Watch app for Apple devices or android devices.

  As of 23/03/2026:

  To view the location of destroyed nests, please visit the map page and choose the Asian Hornet map layer.

  Yellow-legged hornet location information in England and Wales from January 2026 to June 2026

   

  #	Grid Ref:	Location	County	Type	Date	Links to images / Notes
  1	SE60	Doncaster	South Yorkshire	Sighting	26/02/2026	No sample
  2	TL18	Sawtry	Cambridgeshire	Sighting	13/03/2026

• EU SPS Agreement - Call for information

  Defra have recently published a press release which contains information on the legislation likely to form part of UK-EU SPS agreement. The press release is available here.

  https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-eu-sps-agreement-information-for-businesses

  Beekeepers will be affected as primary producers and in some cases, traders in bees and bee products.

  A Call for Information has been launched. The main focus is about the impacts on businesses and to help ensure that future guidance on the SPS agreements reflects what businesses need. The Call for Information will run for 6 weeks. It will open on 9 March 2026 and close on 23 April 2026.

• Advisory leaflet updated: Common pests, diseases, and disorders of adult honey bees

  Keep your bees healthy this season. Read our updated ‘common pests, diseases, and disorders of adult honey bees’ booklet. This is an essential guide for every beekeeper, packed with practical advice on identifying and managing common pests, diseases, and disorders that affect adult honey bees. From viruses like deformed wing virus and chronic bee paralysis to parasites such as nosema and tracheal mites; it explains the signs, prevention, and treatment options in clear, actionable steps. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced beekeeper, this resource will help you safeguard your bees and ensure a productive, healthy apiary.