17 April 2023 , 13:12
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Britain could be in for its worst-ever year for Asian hornets after another new sighting was confirmed.
The British Bee Keepers Association (BBKA) are asking people to stay vigilant after a second case of the invasive species was recorded near Folkestone in Kent.
Known to be very defensive of their nests, the hornets can swoop down and sting in 'mass attacks' if they feel threatened - making them a frightening health risk to people who suffer from anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction to insect stings.
They are also pose a huge threat to our native honey bees, with a single group able to destroy a hive of 30,000 bees within hours.
Following the recent sighting in her area, Kent beekeeper Sue Kittle, 55, said it was alarming development if Asian hornets are spreading.
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The invasive species can attack and eat our honey bees (stock image) (AFP via Getty Images)She said: "This is an invasive species that can attack and eat our honey bees. It can change the whole nature of the bee hives here."
Sue believes the hornets could have swarmed over the Channel following hibernation for the forthcoming summer after enjoying a "fantastic year" in France.
"It also could have been stowed away on a lorry, but we don't know yet", she added.
The BBKA said it is the second reported sighting in Britain so far this year, with the first coming in Northumberland.
It comes after a wave of nests were found over in Jersey, with the lethal bugs thought to use the Channel Islands as landing stage before heading over to the UK mainland.
The hornets are very defensive of their nests and can swoop down and sting in 'mass attacks' if they feel threatened (stock image) (Universal Images Group via Getty Images)A nest with a queen hornet ready to start laying eggs was found on the island on Friday, with another 22 discovered by alarmed locals in the days since - leading to fears that 2023 is shaping up to be the worst year on record.
The British Beekeepers Association is now asking everyone to look out for Asian hornets and report any sightings on a dedicated phone app.
A spokesperson said: "Asian hornet team members in the Kent area have been notified of the positive identification of an Asian hornet in the Folkestone area.
"Vespa velutina is an alien species that could decimate our pollinators if it gets established in this country.
"Honey bees are a particular favourite of the Asian hornet but all pollinators are at risk from this invasive species.
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"The public can help by downloading the Asian hornet watch app now as it has photos of Asian hornet and other insects which are commonly confused with the Asian hornet."
Nature experts have however urged people not to kill British hornets, which are a benign native species favoured by gardeners and farmers.