Beekeepers are urging folks to make sure they know find out how to determine invasive Asian hornets – after greater than 20,000 false reviews had been made final 12 months.
The bee-killing insect is a risk to the UK’s eco-system, with a single Asian hornet in a position to devour as many as 50 honey bees at a time.
One hornet nest can produce a median of 350 potential queens and male hornets for mating, and as much as 6,000 employees.
The “yellow-legged” pests are being monitored by the Nationwide Bee Unit (NBU) and sightings must be reported by way of the Asian Hornet Watch app, in order that nests might be rapidly destroyed to restrict the insect’s unfold.
Throughout Asian Hornet Week – which runs till Sunday, September 8 – and past, 1,000 members of the British Beekeepers Affiliation (BBKA) have been mobilised to offer emergency assist to the NBU when a report is made by way of the app.
However considerations have now been raised that too many individuals have no idea find out how to determine an Asian hornet – and this confusion is hampering efforts to cease the pest from changing into established within the UK.
In response to Division for Surroundings Meals and Rural Affairs (Defra) greater than 20,000 incorrect reviews of Asian hornets had been made by way of the app in 2023, impacting the NBU’s capability to answer sightings rapidly.
Since 2016 there have been 126 confirmed sightings of Asian hornets, together with a document 57 final 12 months.
Up to now this 12 months, there have been 25 confirmed sightings, together with one insect captured on March 11 – the earliest the invasive species has ever been seen within the UK.
You’ll be able to see all of the places the place Asian hornet sightings have been confirmed this 12 months and in 2023 utilizing our interactive map beneath.
“While Asian hornets are a danger to bees, they’re much less of a danger to people. Sure, they will sting, nevertheless their sting isn’t any worse than any of our UK species of bees and wasps. Though there may be extra danger for individuals who could also be allergic.
“Asian hornets are additionally smaller than our native hornets so aren’t fairly the large scary beasts that they’re made out to be.”
How one can spot an Asian Hornet
- Distinctive yellow legs
- An orange head
- Darkish stomach with a single band of yellow
- Native hornets have a predominantly yellow stomach
- The European hornet is barely greater, has brown legs – and is a vital and valued a part of UK wildlife
- Asian hornets aren’t energetic at evening, whereas European hornets might be interested in lights