Asian hornet invasion fears as public urged to report sightings of deadly insect

10 February 2024 , 12:19

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The yellow-legged Asian hornets could seriously impact other pollinators (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

An Asian hornet 'ecological nightmare' warning has been issued by environmental experts.

The aggressive yellow-legged hornets eat other flying pollinators, sparking fears of bee populations being affected. The insects are recognised by their distinctive appearance; they have an orange band on the fourth segment of their abdomens, and characteristic yellow legs. They are an invasive species that has spread across Europe, and fears have been raised about them becoming established in the UK.

The insects pose a threat to British bees by destroying their hives and eat their occupants. Environmental experts say sightings should be immediately reported on the Asian Hornet Watch smartphone app. The area's Beekeepers Association, which represents 1,000 amateur beekeepers across the county, has written to its local council and urged the wider public to be on the lookout for the insect which could cause an "ecological nightmare".

Asian hornets are an invasive species which could have serious environmental impact on the UK (Getty Images)

A senior figure also warned that council workers, contractors, and grounds staff that cut and clear shrubs, trees or playing fields could inadvertently disturb the nests of Asian hornets, reports SomersetLive. Asian hornets can cause a painful sting and may result in anaphylaxis. It could be life-threatening, but is treatable if action is taken quickly. The insect has killed a number of people across the world, and most of those were not beekeepers.

Somerset Beekeepers Association warned: "At the moment, here in Somerset, we are well ahead with our planning and have AH [Asian hornet] teams set up to respond to any potential sightings, even if they are incorrect. Nationally, DEFRA, is geared up to follow up from either calls from the public that have been passed onto local beekeepers or, and this is where we need SC's help, from the Asian Hornet Watch app, which is totally free to download and use.

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Posters about the threat of the invading insects and their impact on other insects (NNSS)

"An AH on its' own is not a threat, but disturbing a nest is a problem as they are very defensive. What we need is more eyes on the ground looking out for this quite distinctive 'yellow legged' hornet so that we don't see our bio-diversity destroyed with the impact they will have, if they get established, on pollination of all crops which are currently pollinated by flying insects and of course the Duty of Care of any workers who are unfortunate enough to hit a nest or get too close to one."

The Department for the Environment says the Asian hornet poses no greater risk to human health than other wasps or hornets, but can cause damage to honey bee colonies and other beneficial insects. The public is being urged to be extra vigilant and to report any sightings immediately.

Graeme Murray