Katie Daly
Updated on: October 8, 2024 9:55 am GMT
The emergence of Asian hornets in the UK has sparked significant concern among beekeepers and environmentalists alike, particularly as new queens are set to hatch in the coming weeks. The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has reported the discovery of multiple nests in the South East, prompting an urgent call to action from both authorities and the public.
Recent Developments in the Asian Hornet Situation
In 2023 alone, the National Bee Unit identified and eradicated 72 Asian hornet nests across the UK, with the majority located in the south-east region. This year, inspectors have already detected 10 nests in Kent and Sussex, areas that have become hotbeds for sightings of this invasive species. Experts warn that each nest can potentially house thousands of hornets, which are known to kill approximately 11 kilograms (24 pounds) of insects, including honeybees, throughout a single season.
As autumn approaches, Asian hornets transition from nest expansion and foraging to reproduction, creating a critical window for control efforts. Research indicates that a single nest can produce up to 350 future queens, which pose a significant threat during their dispersal in search of winter habitats. Tracy Wilson, a representative from the APHA, highlighted the urgency of the situation: “At this stage, the queen is almost certainly one queen, but as we move into autumn more will be laid with the intention that those ones will then disperse. We need to get to those nests before the additional queens can disperse.”
Community Involvement and Vigilance
As the invasive hornets continue to pose a threat, beekeepers in the region have mobilized to increase public awareness and monitoring efforts. Tony Warren, a beekeeper from Gravesend, expressed his skepticism regarding the government’s eradication strategy, stating, “The horse has bolted. It’s out of the field. It’s into the next field and in the next village. Suddenly you’ll get a boom year. You’ll get all the right conditions and they’re off again.”
In an effort to combat the hornet population effectively, beekeepers are advocating for a model similar to that implemented on the Channel Island of Jersey. On Jersey, local volunteers use bait stations to capture hornets, then attach tinsel to them to track their movements back to nests. John de Carteret, a Jersey coordinator, emphasized the advantage of capturing live hornets, stating, “A live hornet will betray where the nest is.”
The Dangers Posed by Asian Hornets
The Asian hornet, native to Southeast Asia, has been identified as a priority invasive non-native species in the UK since its first sighting in 2016. Known for its aggressive behavior and predation on native pollinators, it can disrupt ecosystems that rely heavily on bees and other crucial insects. South West Water, a major landowner in the region, is collaborating with various stakeholders to manage this threat to biodiversity effectively.
During Asian Hornet Week, South West Water has been engaging the public through community roadshows to educate them on the differences between native hornets and Asian hornets. Kate Hills, biosecurity and invasive species manager at South West Water, underscored the significance of monitoring the invasive species. “The Asian hornet is a major threat to our native insects, so we need to ensure any nests are found and disposed of quickly,” she stated.
The Role of Public Reporting
To enhance tracking and eradication efforts, authorities are urging the public to report any suspected Asian hornet sightings using the Asian Hornet Watch app, which is designed to facilitate immediate reporting. Upon validation, any discovered nests will be safely removed by authorized teams funded by the government.
Kirsteen Thorne, outreach officer at the British Beekeepers Association, pointed out that ports and marinas serve as potential entry points for Asian hornets, making coastal regions, including Devon and Cornwall, particularly susceptible to increased populations. She emphasized the importance of correct identification: “Correct identification is key to helping the authorities with their eradication program.”
Precautions and Best Practices
- Familiarize yourself with the appearance of Asian hornets compared to native species.
- Report any sightings to local authorities or through the Asian Hornet Watch app.
- Participate in community awareness programs aimed at monitoring invasive species.
The rising concerns surrounding Asian hornets highlight the need for collective vigilance and effective action. As the vital role of pollinators comes under threat, timely intervention is essential to safeguard the ecosystem and the agricultural interests tied to native bee populations.
If we don’t manage them, Asian hornets could really hurt bee populations. This is a big worry for people who rely on bees for their jobs and for keeping nature healthy. We need quick action from the government and environmental groups, but it’s also important for everyday people to help protect our plants and animals all over the UK.
