Whether it’s bees or wasps, many Brits aren’t the biggest fans of insects.
Now, there’s another insect to look out for this summer, in the form of the Asian Hornet.
The British Beekeepers Association has been alerted to a possible Asian Hornet nest in Rogiet, Monmouthshire.
The nest is yet to be confirmed by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, but despite this, it has now been destroyed.
The British Beekeepers Association said: “A small nest of hornets in an outbuilding in Monmouthshire has been destroyed but Defra have not confirmed that it was an Asian Hornet nest.
“Beekeepers in the area are keeping an eye out for Asian Hornets.
“All beekeepers are asked to be vigilant for hornets and keep looking for nests in sheds and trees on their walks outside.”
Asian Hornets are not native to the UK, but have previously been spotted in various locations, including Staffordshire, Hampshire and Kent.
The insects are slightly smaller than the native European Hornet, and while they’re not usually dangerous to humans, they pose a risk to honey bees and pollinating insects.
Speaking to Mirror Online, Professor Helen Roy, an ecologist at the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology said: “They are easily recognised by their appearance and difficult to confuse with any other species.
“The thorax is a velvety black / dark brown with brown abdominal segments bordered with a fine yellow band. Only the fourth abdominal segment is almost entirely a yellowy-orange.
“The legs are brown with yellow ends and the head is black with an orange-yellow face.”
There are currently no known populations of Asian Hornets in the UK, but that could be set to change as we head toward summer.
Professor Roy said: “People should be vigilant to the arrival of this invasive non-native species all through the year but particularly during the Spring, Summer and Autumn when most insects are active.”
Unless you’re allergic, thankfully Asian Hornets are not usually dangerous to humans.
Professor Roy said: “The Asian Hornet is not generally aggressive, although the stings can be painful and a very small number of people might be allergic to the sting.”
If you see an Asian Hornet or an Asian Hornet nest, it’s best to report the sighting, and not deal with the insect(s) yourself.
Professor Roy said: “We don’t recommend anyone taking direct action – instead they should report all sightings of concern rapidly here or through the Asian Hornet Watch app.”
Asian Hornet Watch app for iPhone
Asian Hornet Watch app for android
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According to Professor Roy, many Brits are already using the app, helping ecologists to track the insects’ movement through the UK.
She concluded: “The response of people from across the UK so far has been amazing. There have been very few confirmed sightings of the Asian Hornet and rapid response has ensured that there are no established populations in the UK.
“We thank everyone who has contributed so far and encourage people to keep sending in their sightings of concern.”
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