Full Breakdown
Guernsey Launches “Track Don’t Trample” Hornet Control Initiative
7/24/2026, 11:24:07 AM
Core Event
The States of Guernsey have rolled out a “Track Don’t Trample” programme that asks residents to photograph Asian hornets and report their movements rather than attempting to remove nests themselves. The aim is to locate primary nests quickly so that officials can destroy them safely. Volunteers are central to the effort, with the island’s Invasive Non-Native Species Policy & Coordination Officer, Annelotte Baas-Jehan, emphasizing that citizen reports enable authorities to trace nests and treat them efficiently.
Background & Context
Asian hornets (Vespa mandarinia) first entered Europe via southern France in 2004, likely hitching a ride in a shipment of pottery. They reached Guernsey in 2017 and have since been identified as a major threat to local biodiversity and honeybees, which provide roughly 39 % of the island’s diet. Nests can expand rapidly during August and September, potentially housing up to 2,000 hornets, and may be situated in tall trees, hedges, brambles, or buildings.
Data & Statistics
Since the start of the current season, 205 hornet queens have been captured and nine primary nests have been destroyed across Guernsey and the nearby island of Herm. These figures illustrate the scale of the invasive population and the early success of the reporting system in curbing nest establishment.
Official Guidance & Impact
The States have warned residents not to cut back vegetation or attempt nest removal without first checking for hornet activity, to avoid provoking aggressive swarms. By channeling public observations into a coordinated response, the programme seeks to protect honeybee colonies and preserve the island’s ecological balance, thereby safeguarding a key component of Guernsey’s food supply and natural heritage.
