Asian hornets: Be vigilant ahead of peak season

Asian hornets pose a threat to honey bees and bug pollinators, although the chance to human well being is not any larger than our native wasps and hornets. 

UK beekeepers and members of the general public are being requested to be vigilant and report sightings.

Figuring out Asian hornets

Asian hornets are distinctive, with a really darkish physique, broad orange stripe on the fourth stomach part and yellow leg ends. 

They’re much bigger than our native hornets, however smaller than European hornets. 

The typical for Asian hornet staff is 25mm in comparison with 30mm for the European hornet. 

Any sightings might be made by way of the Asian Hornet Watch App.

File sightings 

In 2023 there have been a document variety of Asian hornet stories within the UK, the bulk in Kent.

The Animal and Plant Well being Company’s Nationwide Bee Unit destroyed 72 nests in 56 areas. 

The unit continues to take motion to eradicate the Asian hornet within the UK, and this spring rolled out trapping in areas the place there was an elevated threat of queens overwintering.

The traps, which permit non-target invertebrates to flee, have been set at areas throughout Kent, East Sussex, Devon and North Yorkshire. 

Swift motion

Asian hornets will not be but established within the UK. Early trapping is a key a part of surveillance and eradication efforts. 

Defra’s chief plant and bee well being officer Nicola Spence mentioned:

“By guaranteeing we’re alerted to doable sightings as early as doable, the general public may help us take swift and efficient motion to stamp out the menace posed by Asian hornets. 

“Whereas the Asian hornet poses no larger threat to human well being than different wasps or hornets, they’ll injury honey bee colonies and hurt different pollinators. 

“Please proceed to be vigilant for any Asian hornets and in case you suppose you’ve noticed one, report your sighting by means of the Asian hornet app or on-line.”

Methods to report sightings 

If you happen to suspect you might have seen an Asian hornet you must report it utilizing the iPhone and Android app ‘Asian Hornet Watch’ or by utilizing Defra’s on-line report kind. 

Alternatively, electronic mail [email protected]. Please embody {a photograph} in case you can safely acquire one.

Identification guides and extra info can be found and in case you maintain bees you must maintain updated with the newest state of affairs on the gov.uk sightings web page and on BeeBase.

It’s important to not method or disturb a nest. Asian hornets will not be usually aggressive in direction of individuals however could also be after they understand a menace to their nest.

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