Asian Hornet explores new territories
In April this year the National Bee Unit confirmed a sighting of the Asian hornet in Bury, Lancashire. It was spotted by a member of the public in a cauliflower, which has since been traced back to Boston, Lincolnshire.
Following this discovery, surveillance zones have been set-up in both locations and bee inspectors have been tasked with visiting local bee keepers. This is the first confirmed sighting since 2017, when a nest was identified and destroyed in Woolacombe, North Devon.
Whilst swift action from authorities has ensured the UK has remained free from the Asian Hornet so far, the risk remains high.
What’s the threat?
The Asian hornet is a highly effective predator of insects, including honey bees, flies, caterpillars, aphids and bugs. Evidence suggests Asian hornets systematically attack bee colonies and have the potential to cause significant loses. The Asian hornet represents a serious threat to bees native to the UK, whose populations are already under pressure.
Honey bees play a vital role in pollination – research suggests one third of all vegetables and fruit grown worldwide rely on pollination of some description. Depending on the crop, fewer bees will result in fewer and/or poorer quality produce.
Despite the risk to native insects, the Asian hornet does not pose a greater danger to people than native wasps, bees and hornets. It is not aggressive unless provoked, although can sting.
What does the Asian hornet look like?
The Asian hornet has a number of features which make it easy to identify:
- Dark brown abdomen, with a yellow band on the 4th ‘segment’
- Head dark when viewed from above, or orange from front
- Dark coloured antennae
- Legs yellow at the ends
- Queen up to 30mm long, worker up to 25mm long
Habitat
In France (the closest European country to be colonised), Asian hornet nests have been identified in tall trees in urban and rural areas, or in garages, sheds or under decking. Nests have not generally been found in holes in walls or in the ground
It is expected the Asian hornet will be found in southern England, due to its warmer climate.
Recommended action
Suspected sightings of the Asian hornet should be reported immediately to the Great British Non-Native Species Secretariat (NNSS) immediately, by visiting:
http://www.brc.ac.uk/risc/alert.php'species=asian_hornet
Alternatively, sightings can be emailed to alertnonnative@ceh.ac.uk, complete with photos.
The animal and plant health agency (APHA) will cover the costs of all eradication on private land.
Further reading
The British Bee Keepers Association
https://www.bbka.org.uk/help/asian_hornet
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/asian-hornet-identified-in-devon