May 19th 2024.
The authorities in the UK are concerned about the increasing number of sightings of an invasive species, and are urging people to be on the lookout for dangerous hornets as we approach the summer months. Professor Nicola Spence, the Chief Plant Health Officer at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, has emphasized the importance of the public's help in identifying and reporting Asian hornets, especially after a record number of sightings last year during the warmer months.
Although these hornets may not pose a greater risk to humans compared to native species, they can be a threat to domestic honey bees and other insect pollinators. While they have not yet established a presence in the UK's ecosystems, it is crucial to detect and trap them early on to prevent them from doing so in the future. The Wildlife and Countryside Link has also warned about the increased risk of invasive species entering the country due to factors such as flooding and rising temperatures.
While the risk of harm to humans from Asian hornets is low, they can cause harm to the UK's ecosystems. Invasive species such as Japanese Knotweed, Giant Hogweed, Red Imported Fire Ants, Chinese Mitten Crabs, and Chinese Mystery Snails are already causing nuisances and costing billions of pounds in damage each year. Richard Benwell, the chief executive at WCL, has emphasized the threats these species pose to the environment, as well as to human health and property.
To address this issue, Defra has launched the Asian Hornet Watch App, which will allow the public to learn how to identify and report sightings of these invasive bugs. The National Bee Unit will also be on call during the warmer months to respond quickly to sightings in high-risk areas. A Defra spokesperson has stated that invasive species are a major threat to the UK's biodiversity and economy, and they are committed to detecting, protecting, and eradicating them with the help of the public, land managers, and businesses.
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