September 8th 2023.
Asian hornets are a very real threat in the UK. The UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology has confirmed that they have been spotted across a wide area of England, from Kent to Cornwall and Birmingham to the Cotswolds.
These hornets pose a serious risk to public health and the environment. A single sting from an Asian hornet can be fatal for those with allergies, and an individual hornet can consume up to 50 honey bees a day. Worse yet, a swarm of Asian hornets can decimate an entire hive in just a few days.
Rebecca Northey, South West Water’s invasive and biosecurity officer, has warned that Asian hornets can be found not just high up in trees but in low bramble thickets where we could all come into contact with them. She says these creatures are a triple threat: negatively impacting our biodiversity, decimating our pollinators, and causing economic devastation to commercial beekeepers.
Asian hornets are mostly black except for their fourth abdominal segment which is a yellow band located towards the rear. They are slightly smaller than native hornets, with queens up to 30mm and workers up to 25mm long. They have yellow legs and an orange face with two brownish red compound eyes.
If you see an Asian hornet, don't approach it and never disturb an active nest. What you need to do is report it straight away as authorities have procedures in place to eradicate nests. You can download the Asian Hornet app for iPhone or Android, fill in an online form or email
[email protected].
It's important that we're all vigilant and aware of the potential dangers of Asian hornets. By reporting any sightings, we can help to track their locations and protect our environment.
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