The Asian hornet, an invasive, non-native
species has been sighted in Devon. Spotted in late summer, there is now significant
concern for the safety of our native bee species.
The Asian hornet –
What is the problem?
Vespa
veluntina is
known as the ‘Asian hornet’ as it is a native species of Asia. It recently
arrived in France where its spread is rapid. It is a highly successful predator
of insects including honey bees and other species considered beneficial to the
ecosystem. The losses to bee colonies are significant with some beekeepers and pest controllers dreading the
potential impact on the environment.
A single specimen of an Asian hornet was
seen in the UK last year. It was trapped in Somerset, with a nest destroyed in
nearby Tetbury, Gloucestershire.
It is expected that in places, the Asian
hornet could be found in significant numbers, especially in southern parts of
England. The recent confirmed sightings of this invasive hornet in Devon is not
the new beekeepers and pest controllers
want to hear.
How does the Asian
hornet reach our shores?
Contrary to what you may think, the Asian
hornet doesn’t take up flight from the
continent and fly to the UK. Rather, it is brought in on contaminated flowers
and soils, as well as cut flowers, fruits and timber. It is active between
April and November, but at its peak during August and September.
What can be done
about this invasive species?
There is a concerted effort to track and
destroy nests of this invasive hornet, of which pest controllers are a part. Surveillance zones have been created in
North Devon, with a local control centre coordinating responses to sightings of
the hornet.
Bee inspectors use traps as well as
infrared cameras to track and locate hornet nets. Experts such as trained pest
controllers are then brought in to kills the Hornets
and destroy the nests.
Although they may be over 200 miles away, beekeepers in Kent are also vigilant regarding
the Asian Hornet in order to protect native bee species.
What to look for…
Asian hornets are identified by;
·
The queen is around 3 cm in
length with the workers being slightly smaller
·
The body is either entirely
brown or black, with a fine yellow band border
·
The fourth abdominal segment is
entirely yellow or orange
·
The legs are brown with yellow
ends
·
It is active during the day,
ceasing activity at dusk and overnight.
Have you seen an
Asian hornet?
Remaining vigilant and taking action
quickly is essential in order to protect the honey bee and other species.
Although in the winter months, our bees and wasps hibernate, mated queens will
spring into life come the warmer weather of spring – and the Asian hornet queen
is no exception.