A pharmacist has advised how to treat a sting from an Asian hornet amid a rise in sightings in the UK. So far this year, three nests found and there have been 24 sightings of the invasive yellow-legged hornet, which pose a major threat to many native UK insects, including honey bees.
An Asian hornet – believed to have arrived in France on a shipment from China in 2004 – can consume 50 honey bees a day with a swarm able to kill off a hive of more than 30,000 bees. In 2024 there were 71 sightings and 24 hives found – and while experts do not believe there is an established UK population yet, a DEFRA eradication programme continues this year.
The warning from Well Pharmacy comes as Brits spend more time outdoors during an unseasonal 23C hot spell this week – considerably warmer than the 14C monthly average. The Asian hornet is said to possess one of the most unpleasant stings known to man, often compared to being stabbed by a red-hot needle.
Well Pharmacy wants the public to be aware of how they can treat themselves or others who may be unfortunate enough to suffer an Asian hornet sting. Anyone suffering immediate shortness of breath after contact with an Asian hornet or any insect must call 999, while Brits worried about bug bites and stings can go direct to their local pharmacy.
Under the Pharmacy First scheme, in England, patients can seek advice and treatment about infected insect bites and stings from a pharmacist, without the need to speak to a GP. The hornet, which has been mainly sighted in Kent with a couple of other sightings in Hampshire and a solitary sighting in Shropshire can potentially wreak havoc on the UK’s ecosystem.
It is important Brits are able to tell the difference between harmless insect bites and life-threatening stings. The invasive species have slight differences in appearance to wasps and other hornets – most prominently, the Asian hornet has yellow legs.
Asian hornets are generally seen as more aggressive than wasps unlike their European cousin and will potentially sting unprovoked. If you are stung by an Asian hornet, then Well Pharmacy’s George Sandhu has the following advice which could help alleviate the pain.
1. Clean with soap and water
Mr Sandhu says: “A hornet sting will be much more painful than normal stings, there is no stinger left behind, meaning there is nothing to be removed. Instead head for the sink and use soap and cool water to clean the wound, no matter how small.”
2. Apply ice
Mr Sandhu says: “Once the wound has been cleaned, head to the freezer to get ice because cooling the body’s temperature will slow the spread of venom. The coolness of the ice will also provide a soothing relief to the throbbing pain which comes from an Asian hornet sting.”
3. Monitor symptoms
Mr Sandhu urges anyone who has been stung to keep monitoring the wound [2] and their condition – or make sure someone is around to keep a close eye on them. Mr Sandhu says: “Some people who are stung by an Asian hornet will find themselves having an allergic reaction following the incident.
“It is important to consult a medical professional immediately if you believe you’ve had an allergic reaction to an Asian hornet sting.”
4. Get emergency help
Mr Sandhu says: “If you can feel your throat getting tight or you are having trouble breathing then it is possible that you may go into anaphylactic shock. It is crucial to ensure that people around you are aware of this so they can ring 999 and get the proper help for you. If you’re with someone who is experiencing these symptoms then stay calm and call an ambulance.”
5. Be one step ahead
Mr Sandhu said: “Patients may be aware that they are allergic to bee or wasp stings and if this is the case then they should make sure to always have a bee sting kit on their person. Having this kit available will allow for immediate treatment which can help save their lives should they be stung by a bee, wasp or Asian hornet.
“The kits are compact and don’t take up too much space and should be a part of someone’s checklist whenever they suspect they may experience insects they are allergic to.”
6. Pharmacy First
Mr Sandhu added: “It is also important to remember that pharmacists can offer expert advice on any insect bites or stings through the Pharmacy First scheme. If you are looking for medical advice and treatment, then head to your local Well Pharmacy where a pharmacist can discuss options to treat the issue.
“Many patients have the option to purchase antihistamines, steroid creams and painkillers over the counter at their local pharmacy to enable immediate treatment. Other treatments can also be offered all without the need for a doctor’s appointment due to the Pharmacy First scheme.”
He adds: “All insect stings and bites can be sore initially however there are a variety of treatments which can aid patients. Many patients find that creams are helpful in soothing the area which has been stung whilst others also use soap and water to ensure that the wound is clean.
“Asian hornets possess a particularly strong sting which can be very unpleasant however if patients follow the above guidance they will be able to soothe the sting which should heal in a few days.”
