Brits have been warned to plant a certain herb to deter Asian hornets, as these invasive stinging insects are capable of destroying bumblebees and ravaging gardens
British gardeners have been warned over record sightings of a terrifying hornet that destroys bees and flowers – fortunately, there’s one popular herb that will keep them at bay.
Asian hornets are a highly invasive species that were accidentally introduced to the UK in 2016. They are known to decimate bee populations and ravage ecosystems. Scarier still, their numbers in Britain are growing. There were 262 queen Asian hornets recorded on Jersey by 11 April 2025, which is a year-on-year increase of 1,090%, as reported by The Observer.
Asian hornets tend to wake from hibernation around April. Worse, they have a preference for warmer temperatures, which means the recent heat wave has likely helped their numbers.
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The reason they pose such a cause for concern is because they prey on native pollinators, like bumblebees. In fact, just one Asian hornet is capable of killing and eating up to fifty bumblebees in a day.
They pose a threat to humans, too. These yellow-legged insects are slightly larger than average wasps and pack a vicious sting. In some cases they can cause symptoms like runny nose, abdominal pain and lip or tongue swelling.
While no more dangerous than a wasp or bee sting, those with allergies to insects should be careful. In the case of a severe reaction, they may go into anaphylactic shock.
It can be hard to determine if you’ve found an Asian hornet or a regular wasp in your garden – however, there are some tell-tale signs. Aside from their distinctive yellow legs, Asian hornets have a wide orange stripe on the fourth section of their abdomen, according to the British Beekeepers Association.
If you think you’ve spotted these destructive pests in your garden, don’t panic. Experts have revealed that there is a naturally growing herb that can help deter them.
Clancy Bros Pest Control advise: “Wasps and hornets hate the smell of mint. You can plant mint around your house or keep a pot of mint near the areas where these pests are usually found. This will help to keep them away from those areas.”
Mint plants can be picked up for just £1.08 from Asda and planted directly into the soil. They are best grown in their own pots, in fertile well-drained soil and with access to partial sunlight.
If you don’t have the time or energy to grow mint, Clancy Bros Pest Control suggest using peppermint oil instead. The added benefit of this alternative is that it keeps in your cupboard for a long time.
They add: “You can also use peppermint oil as it has the same effect. Just take a few drops of peppermint oil on a cotton ball and place it near their nest.”
If you spot an Asian hornet buzzing around, Brits have been urged to note it down in the Asian Hornet Watch app. Alternatively, you can also email a picture and location to [email protected].