Warning issued as Asian hornets pose serious threat to honey bees

Star it Here 29/05/2024

2 minutes read

THE public and bee keepers are being asked to keep an eye out for Asian hornets this summer that pose a serious threat to honey bees and other native wildlife.

Preying on a large range of insects including honeybees and bumblebees, experts have warned that each Asian hornet could wreak havoc on all British bees as the invasive species can consume up to 50 a day.

Glamorgan Star newspaper - The Asian hornet is distinctive by their very dark body, wide orange stripe on the fourth abdomen section and yellow leg ends. Photo: Adobe. — | The Asian hornet is distinctive by their very dark body, wide orange stripe on the fourth abdomen section and yellow leg ends. *Photo: Adobe.*

Asian hornet is a highly effective predator of insects, including honey bees and other beneficial species, which can cause significant losses to colonies.

First arriving in France in 2004, it has spread rapidly with several sightings being recorded in the UK since 2016 and a record number reported in summer last year.

Asian hornets are distinctive and can be identified by their very dark body, wide orange stripe on the fourth abdomen section and yellow leg ends.

The Animal and Plant Health Agency’s National Bee Unit has attended every credible sighting, locating and destroying 72 nests in 56 locations. The National Bee Unit says it continues to stand ready to respond quickly and effectively to any further possible sightings.

A spokesperson for the organisation said: We continue to take action to eradicate the Asian hornet in the UK, and this spring rolled out trapping in areas where there was an increased risk that Asian hornet queens may have overwintered.

“The traps, which have the means to allow non-target invertebrates to escape, have been set at locations across Kent, East Sussex, Devon and North Yorkshire.

“Asian hornets are not yet established in the UK. Early trapping is a key part of our surveillance for this invasive species and fundamental to our eradication efforts.”

The UK’s Chief Plant Health Officer is also urging beekeepers and the public to be increasingly vigilant to the presence of Asian hornets and report any sightings as the country moves into the peak summer season.

Chief officer Professor Nicola Spence said: “By ensuring we are alerted to possible sightings as early as possible, the public can help us take swift and effective action to stamp out the threat posed by Asian hornets.

“While the Asian hornet poses no greater risk to human health than other wasps or hornets, they can damage honey bee colonies and harm other pollinators.

“Please continue to be vigilant for any Asian hornets and if you think you’ve spotted one, report your sighting through the Asian hornet app or online.”

If you suspect you have seen an Asian hornet you should report it using the iPhone and Android app ‘Asian Hornet Watch’ or by using the online report form – bit.ly/3R0snP6. Alternatively, e-mail . Please include a photograph if you can safely obtain one.