The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs has launched a monitoring programme in Dundonald, Belfast, targeting Asian hornets. The Northern Ireland Environment Agency removed Northern Ireland's first confirmed nest there in October.

Traps aim to capture Asian hornet queens within a five-kilometre radius of the nest site. The traps catch only Asian hornet queens and spare other insects. The programme lasts three months, matching the period when queens emerge and seek nest sites.

DAERA Minister Andrew Muir said NIEA staff found and destroyed the nest quickly last October. He said their prompt action lowered the threat from this invasive species. Muir called on the public to report any sightings in Dundonald during the monitoring.

People should trap suspected Asian hornets from April to June instead of killing them. They should photograph the insects and submit reports. The Asian Hornet Watch app handles reports, which require photos for verification.