Asian hornets

2024 - 5 - 20

Asian Hornets Invasion: What You Need to Know

Asian hornet Alastair Christie - Asian hornet expert - Asian hornets - Beekeepers - Chief Plant Health Officer - Crops - Drivers - Ecosystems - Environment Department - Honey bees - Insect pollinators - Invasive species - Kent - National Bee Unit - Native species - Nicola Spence - Non-native species - Pollinators - Record sightings - Asian hornet

Stay alert for the invasion of Asian hornets! Learn how to spot them and report sightings to protect pollinators.

The buzzing concern of Asian hornets is on the rise in the UK, posing a threat to honey bees and other insect pollinators. While their impact on human health is no greater than that of native wasps and hornets, the recent surge in sightings has sparked alarm among beekeepers. These invasive species, alongside the red Imported Fire Ant, Chinese Mitten Crab, and Chinese Mystery Snail, are gradually infiltrating Europe, raising concerns about ecological balance.

With a distinctive appearance not native to the UK, Asian hornets have been increasingly spotted, with a record number of sightings reported. These hornets, larger than native bees and wasps, present a unique challenge to beekeeping efforts. The Chief Plant Health Officer's warning urges vigilance and prompt reporting of any sightings, emphasizing the importance of protecting local ecosystems.

If you encounter an Asian hornet, whether at home or outdoors, it is crucial to take action to safeguard pollinators and prevent further spread. Despite posing a minimal health risk to humans, their impact on honey bees and pollinators cannot be understated. Reporting sightings promptly is key to preventing their proliferation and protecting the delicate balance of nature.

As sightings of Asian hornets surge to record highs, the public is called upon to play an active role in monitoring and reporting any encounters. The imminent threat of invasion highlights the need for heightened awareness and proactive measures to mitigate the potential impact on local ecosystems.

According to experts, the influx of Asian hornets in 2023 marked a turning point, with eight sightings reported already this year. As one of the most significant threats to pollinators, these invasive species require swift and decisive action to prevent further ecological disruption.

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Image courtesy of "Farmers Guide"

Asian hornets: Be vigilant ahead of peak season (Farmers Guide)

Asian hornets pose a risk to honey bees and insect pollinators, though the risk to human health is no greater than our native wasps and hornets. UK beekeepers ...

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Image courtesy of "The Independent"

Asian hornets: Public warned of invasive species after record sightings (The Independent)

The red Imported Fire Ant, Chinese Mitten Crab and Chinese Mystery Snail are also making their way across Europe.

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Image courtesy of "Echo"

What does an Asian hornet look like? Difference to UK native (Echo)

Although Asian hornets are not native to the UK, 2023 saw a record number of sightings and so far eight have been reported this year.

Warning issued as Asian hornets set for UK as expert says 'be vigilant' (Yahoo News UK)

The UK's Chief Plant Health Officer has warned beekeepers over Asian hornets - which dwarf the bees and wasps you usually see. Nicola Spence is urging the ...

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Image courtesy of "News Shopper"

What to do if you see an Asian hornet at home or when out (News Shopper)

Asian hornets are a threat to pollinators like honey bees and this is what you should do if you see one, whether you're at home or out and about.

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Image courtesy of "LBC"

Public told to report sightings of Asian hornets after record number of ... (LBC)

Asian hornets pose no greater risk to human health than native hornets but threaten honey bees and insect pollinators. The Environment Department (Defra) said ...

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Image courtesy of "Daily Mail"

Urgent warning to Britons over an impending invasion of Asian ... (Daily Mail)

Britons have been warned to remain vigilant against an invasion of Asian hornets, as sightings of the pests reach record highs.

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Image courtesy of "Lowestoft Journal"

Suffolk could see more Asian hornets arrive this summer (Lowestoft Journal)

People are being warned to report sightings of Asian hornets as nature groups warn of a potential surge in non-native species in Suffolk.

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Image courtesy of "ITV News"

Asian hornets in UK: Are they dangerous and how do you report ... (ITV News)

Why is this winged invader seen as a threat and how you'll know if you've spotted one. | ITV National News.

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Image courtesy of "LeaderLive"

What to do if you see an Asian hornet at home or when out (LeaderLive)

Asian hornets are a threat to pollinators like honey bees and this is what you should do if you see one, whether you're at home or out and about.

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Image courtesy of "Helensburgh Advertiser"

What does an Asian hornet look like? Difference to UK native (Helensburgh Advertiser)

This is how to spot an Asian hornet and what the difference is between UK native hornets, according to experts - see what they look like.

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Image courtesy of "City A.M."

Explainer in brief: Asian hornets have invaded the UK, but should ... (City A.M.)

Brits are being told to remain “vigilant” this summer as UK sightings of Asian hornets reach record highs, but should you be afraid?

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Image courtesy of "iNews"

I'm an Asian hornet specialist – this is how to protect your children (iNews)

Nature groups have warned Asian hornet numbers are likely to increase this summer as the insect crosses the Channel and takes hold in the UK.

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Image courtesy of "Agriland.co.uk"

Public to be 'vigilant' after record number of Asian Hornets (Agriland.co.uk)

The National Bee Unit (NBU) aims to eradicate the Asian hornet in the UK, and this spring it rolled out trapping in areas where there was an “increased risk” ...

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Image courtesy of "Greenock Telegraph"

What to do if you see an Asian hornet at home or when out (Greenock Telegraph)

Asian hornets are a threat to pollinators like honey bees and this is what you should do if you see one, whether you're at home or out and about.

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Image courtesy of "Echo"

What to do if you see an Asian hornet at home or when out (Echo)

Nature groups are warning of a potential surge in damaging invasive non-native species. The UK's chief plant health officer Nicola Spence has called for ...

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Image courtesy of "BBC News"

Asian hornets: Kent on front-line after record number of reports (BBC News)

Asian hornets pose no greater risk to human health than native hornets, but are a threat to honey bees and insect pollinators. While the species is not ...

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Image courtesy of "Watford Observer"

What does an Asian hornet look like? Difference to UK native (Watford Observer)

Although Asian hornets are not native to the UK, 2023 saw a record number of sightings and so far eight have been reported this year.

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Image courtesy of "The Times"

Asian hornets in the UK: how to identify them and report sightings (The Times)

After dozens of nests of the invasive species were found in Kent the government has issued an alert to the public about how to spot them — and the risks ...

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Image courtesy of "GB News"

British drivers face 'danger' with rise of Asian hornets 'wreaking havoc' (GB News)

The hornets hide in sheltered spots including in caravans and larger vehicles and have the power to “wreak havoc” on drivers returning from abroad. Drivers ...

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Image courtesy of "BBC News"

Asian hornets: How to spot them and how to treat a sting (BBC News)

The buzz over a record number of reported sightings last year has prompted warnings this summer.

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Image courtesy of "BBC News"

Fewer queen Asian hornets found in Jersey, expert says (BBC News)

Asian hornet expert Alastair Christie says the lower numbers are a "positive" sign.

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Image courtesy of "Telegraph.co.uk"

How scientists are tracking down the Asian hornets invading Britain (Telegraph.co.uk)

The apex predator can devastate native species, damage crops and even kill humans – and experts fear they could gain a permanent foothold.

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