The Invasion of the Asian Hornets: Identifying the Threat and Reporting to Authorities

Asian Hornet Sightings Raise Concerns for UK Bee Populations

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in Asian hornet nests in the United Kingdom, sparking fears of potential damage to the country’s bee populations. The National Bee Unit is closely monitoring the growing number of sightings of this predator, which feeds on honey bees, wasps, and other insects, and urges the public to report any hornet sightings. This article aims to provide information on what exactly an Asian hornet is, why it is causing concern, how to recognize one, and where to report sightings.

What is an Asian Hornet?

The Asian hornet, native to Asia, was first recorded in Europe in 2004 when it is believed to have arrived in a shipment of pottery from China. Since then, their numbers have been steadily growing on the continent. As of December 2022, the Asian hornet has been established in several European countries, including Spain, Belgium, Netherlands, Portugal, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, and Jersey. In France alone, more than half a million nests are found annually. The Asian hornet was first discovered in the UK in 2016 in Tetbury, Gloucestershire, and a nest was promptly located and destroyed. However, recent sightings indicate a significant increase in numbers, raising concerns that the species could establish a population in the UK.

Why is There Concern?

While Asian hornets pose no greater risk to human health than other wasps or hornets, they can cause significant damage to bee colonies and other insects. Unlike the year 2022, which saw only two reported sightings throughout the entire year, Asian hornet appearances have been documented almost weekly during the summer of 2023. The latest nests were found in Folkestone, Kent on August 30th. A video filmed by a beekeeper in Kent captured a hornet decapitating and consuming a wasp in a matter of seconds, highlighting the immense damage these invader insects can inflict. The National Bee Unit works diligently to locate and destroy hornet nests in order to protect native species. However, it is crucial for the public to report any sightings, as the hornets intensify their predation on bee colonies until early November.

What Does an Asian Hornet Look Like?

The Asian hornet is slightly smaller than native hornets, with adult workers measuring around 25mm in length, while queens can reach 30mm. They have a predominantly black abdomen, except for the fourth segment, which is marked with a yellow or orange band. Bright yellow tips can be observed on their legs, earning them the nickname “the yellow legged hornet.” Their face is orange with two brownish-red eyes.

How to Report Sightings

If you suspect you have encountered an Asian hornet or have discovered a nest, there are several ways to report the sighting:

• Take a photo on your phone for identification purposes and report it using the Asian Hornet Watch app, available on iOS and Android.
• Report the sighting online to the National Bee Unit via their website or call 03003030094.
• Contact your local Beekeepers Association, which is likely to have an Asian Hornet Coordinator who can provide advice or organize the necessary response.

Protecting Bees and Native Species

According to Stewart Maher, Asian Hornet Coordinator for the Lincolnshire Beekeepers Association, the Asian hornet is an ecological disaster, posing a significant threat to bees. Factors such as climate change, intense farming practices, and a decline in flora and fauna have already put native bee populations at risk. The increase in Asian hornet nests in the UK exacerbates this threat. However, it is possible to protect bees by reporting sightings and taking swift and effective action to eliminate the hornet threat.

Conclusion

The rise in Asian hornet nests in the UK raises concerns about the potential damage to the country’s bee populations. Although Asian hornets do not pose a direct danger to human health, they can cause significant harm to bee colonies and other beneficial insects. Recognizing these hornets and reporting sightings promptly is essential to ensure the protection of native species. By taking swift action and working together, we can defend against this invasive species and safeguard the vital role that bees play in our ecosystems.