Beekeepers in Devon say there has been a "worrying" rise in the number of reports of Asian hornet sightings across the UK. The species is deemed to be a significant threat to wildlife, particularly bees
The Devon Asian Hornet Action Team say there was a huge spike in reported sightings of Asian hornets in 2023, with 72 nests having been destroyed, including two in Plymouth. There have reportedly been at least four credible sightings this year in Sussex, Kent, Lancashire and East London.
The group is urging members of the public to keep an eye out for Asian hornets and their nests. One established nest can consume up to 11kg of pollinators, such as bees, in one season alone.
Gerry Stuart, Chair of Devon Asian Hornet Action Team, said: "This incursion has far wider implications, many birds and other wildlife rely on these insects as their food source. We should not lose sight of our responsibility to protect our bees and other native pollinators from this threat"
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Asian hornet nests are a similar size to a tennis ball and normally found in sheltered places like sheds, roofs, porches and garages. The queen builds an initial workforce of hornets and then builds a larger secondary nest. If you see a nest, you should not try to remove it yourself and report it instead.
Those going abroad to countries where the species can be found are advised to check any luggage, camping gear, boats, trailers or caravans before and after they leave. While Asian hornets are native to Southeast Asia, they have also found their way into Europe.
Simon O’Sullivan, Chairman of Devon Beekeepers, said: "Although it has spread to many places in the UK, it is still believed that it is most likely to be found in numbers in the southern parts of England. It may even be able to fly across the channel from France, or otherwise may be found in among goods which it could be accidentally imported, such as soil with imported pot plants, cut flowers, fruit and timber etc".
Adult worker Asian hornets measure from 25mm, while queens measure around 30mm. Their abdomens are mostly black apart from its fourth abdominal segment which is a yellow band. They have yellow legs, an orange face and two brownish-red compound eyes.
Those who see an Asian hornet or a nest should try to take a photo or video and report sightings via alertnonnative@ceh.ac.uk. You can also contact your local beekeeping association, swarm liaison co-ordinator or swarm collector. Sightings can also be reported via the Asian Hornet Watch app which is available for iPhone and Android.
