Latest news with #AsianHornetWatch
Daily Mirror
12-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Households urged to plant £1.08 herb immediately to keep Asian hornets away
Brits have been warned to plant a certain herb to deter Asian hornets, as these invasive stinging insects are capable of destroying bumblebees and ravaging gardens British gardeners have been warned over record sightings of a terrifying hornet that destroys bees and flowers – fortunately, there's one popular herb that will keep them at bay. Asian hornets are a highly invasive species that were accidentally introduced to the UK in 2016. They are known to decimate bee populations and ravage ecosystems. Scarier still, their numbers in Britain are growing. There were 262 queen Asian hornets recorded on Jersey by 11 April 2025, which is a year-on-year increase of 1,090%, as reported by The Observer. Asian hornets tend to wake from hibernation around April. Worse, they have a preference for warmer temperatures, which means the recent heat wave has likely helped their numbers. The reason they pose such a cause for concern is because they prey on native pollinators, like bumblebees. In fact, just one Asian hornet is capable of killing and eating up to fifty bumblebees in a day. They pose a threat to humans, too. These yellow-legged insects are slightly larger than average wasps and pack a vicious sting. In some cases they can cause symptoms like runny nose, abdominal pain and lip or tongue swelling. While no more dangerous than a wasp or bee sting, those with allergies to insects should be careful. In the case of a severe reaction, they may go into anaphylactic shock. It can be hard to determine if you've found an Asian hornet or a regular wasp in your garden – however, there are some tell-tale signs. Aside from their distinctive yellow legs, Asian hornets have a wide orange stripe on the fourth section of their abdomen, according to the British Beekeepers Association. If you think you've spotted these destructive pests in your garden, don't panic. Experts have revealed that there is a naturally growing herb that can help deter them. Clancy Bros Pest Control advise: 'Wasps and hornets hate the smell of mint. You can plant mint around your house or keep a pot of mint near the areas where these pests are usually found. This will help to keep them away from those areas.' Mint plants can be picked up for just £1.08 from Asda and planted directly into the soil. They are best grown in their own pots, in fertile well-drained soil and with access to partial sunlight. If you don't have the time or energy to grow mint, Clancy Bros Pest Control suggest using peppermint oil instead. The added benefit of this alternative is that it keeps in your cupboard for a long time. They add: 'You can also use peppermint oil as it has the same effect. Just take a few drops of peppermint oil on a cotton ball and place it near their nest.' If you spot an Asian hornet buzzing around, Brits have been urged to note it down in the Asian Hornet Watch app. Alternatively, you can also email a picture and location to alertnonnative@
The Independent
01-05-2025
- General
- The Independent
What should I do if I see an Asian Hornet and how dangerous are they?
Beekeepers and environmentalists are growing more concerned after an 'unprecedented' number of Asian hornets have been spotted so far this year, sparking fears of a surge in the UK population of the invasive species. Already, the insects have decimated honey production in parts of France and Italy, as the breed is capable of killing 50 honey bees a day. For years, experts have kept an eye on the species, but the Jersey Asian Hornet Group - leading specialists in the insects - have raised the alert as they remarked sighting 262 queen Asian hornets by 11 April - a 1,090 per cent year-on-year increase in spotting the hornet, as reported by The Observer. Like bees, the sting of an Asian hornet can cause painful and potentially life threatening allergic reactions, but these insects also bode a wider risk to the UK's insect population. Here's all you need to know about Asian hornets and what to do if you spot one. What is an Asian hornet? Also known as the yellow-legged hornet, these insects have caused concerns for beekeepers in the UK because they prey on a wide range of insects, including honey bees. Areas with a high density of Asian hornet nests present a risk to the surrounding area when it comes to insect diversity. They also present a health risk to those who are allergic to hornet or wasp stings. These hornets tend to be far smaller than those found in Europe. While European hornets are between 30 and 35 mm in length, Asian hornets tend to be 25 mm long. Their abdomens are mostly black except for the fourth abdominal segment, which has a yellow band. They also have yellow legs and an orange face. Their nests tend to be high up in trees or man made structures. As well as hunting honey bees and other insects, the hornets feed on fruits and flowers. How did hornets get to the UK? Asian hornets are believed to have first arrived in France in a cargo of pottery from China in 2004, by accident. They have since spread rapidly across Europe and have since been spotted in 15 different countries. They were first spotted in the UK in 2016, in the town of Tetbury, Gloucestershire. After 10 days of intensive searching, a nest was found and destroyed. The UK has confirmed a total of 147 sightings of the yellow-legged hornet since then, according to the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA), including a total of 110 nests which have all been destroyed. DEFRA added that there had only been two confirmed sightings of the yellow-legged hornet in 2025, per a report from 27 March. What should I do if I see a hornet? DEFRA have asked any members of the public who believe they have spotted an Asian hornet to report them to the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (UKCEAH). Using a form on the UKCEAH website, people can send photos of the insect and the exact location of sighting. There is also an Asian Hornet Watch app, where people can report any 'sightings of concern' to the government's National Bee Unit. The UK Non-Native Species Secretariat have warned people not to disturb an active nest in case they get hurt.
Scottish Sun
24-04-2025
- Science
- Scottish Sun
Chilling Asian Hornet warning as 1st nest of killer insect embryos found in UK this year
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) KILLER insect embryos have been discovered in the UK for the first time this year, according to experts. The ruthless species, also known as the yellow-legged hornet, can spell disaster for pollinators such as honey bees. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 An Asian Hornet nest was found in the UK this month Credit: getty 2 A full nest can eat the equivalent of 50 bees a per day Credit: getty Originating in south east Asia, the invasive hornets made its way to Europe as a stowaway and quickly became established. The embryo nest found this month, contained one queen who was preparing to multiply, was found in Langley, Kent on April 16 this year. She was the seventh queen found this year on the mainland but the first to be discovered with a nest. Last year, a total of 24 nests were found, destroyed and taken to a laboratory - where scientists studied the contents to learn more about the insects. Asian hornet queens can hibernate overwinter in the UK before emerging in the spring to lay eggs. Spring is a crucial time for the Animal and Plant Health Agency's National Bee Unit, who attempt to disrupt their breeding cycle before they can become a bigger threat. A full nest can eat 11 kilos of bugs per season - an equivalent of 50 bees per hornet per day. So far this year, queens have been found in Kent, East Sussex, Shropshire and Hampshire, according to official data, with the first captured in Shropshire in January. Jersey in the Channel Islands has also seen a significant number of queen sightings this year. Members of the public can report sightings of the hornets, which are smaller than their European cousins and have distinctive yellow legs, on the Asian Hornet Watch app and online. How asian hornets are taking over the UK Experts believe it is thanks to members of the public that they have been able to find and destroy queens sooner. Kate Wilson, Head of the Animal & Plant Health Agency's National Bee Unit, said: 'Yellow-legged hornets cause significant damage to native pollinators, including our much-loved honey bees. 'That's why APHA's National Bee Unit continues to take swift and effective action to stamp out the threat posed by yellow-legged hornets, all as part of ongoing monitoring and surveillance work to protect our pollinators. 'Thanks to increasing reports to the Asian Hornet Watch app and online, it is not unexpected that sightings may occur earlier in the year. 'We encourage the public to remain vigilant and continue to report any potential sightings to us.'
The Sun
24-04-2025
- Science
- The Sun
Chilling Asian Hornet warning as 1st nest of killer insect embryos found in UK this year
KILLER insect embryos have been discovered in the UK for the first time this year, according to experts. The ruthless species, also known as the yellow-legged hornet, can spell disaster for pollinators such as honey bees. 2 Originating in south east Asia, the invasive hornets made its way to Europe as a stowaway and quickly became established. The embryo nest found this month, contained one queen who was preparing to multiply, was found in Langley, Kent on April 16 this year. She was the seventh queen found this year on the mainland but the first to be discovered with a nest. Last year, a total of 24 nests were found, destroyed and taken to a laboratory - where scientists studied the contents to learn more about the insects. Asian hornet queens can hibernate overwinter in the UK before emerging in the spring to lay eggs. Spring is a crucial time for the Animal and Plant Health Agency's National Bee Unit, who attempt to disrupt their breeding cycle before they can become a bigger threat. A full nest can eat 11 kilos of bugs per season - an equivalent of 50 bees per hornet per day. So far this year, queens have been found in Kent, East Sussex, Shropshire and Hampshire, according to official data, with the first captured in Shropshire in January. Jersey in the Channel Islands has also seen a significant number of queen sightings this year. Members of the public can report sightings of the hornets, which are smaller than their European cousins and have distinctive yellow legs, on the Asian Hornet Watch app and online. How asian hornets are taking over the UK Experts believe it is thanks to members of the public that they have been able to find and destroy queens sooner. Kate Wilson, Head of the Animal & Plant Health Agency's National Bee Unit, said: 'Yellow-legged hornets cause significant damage to native pollinators, including our much-loved honey bees. 'That's why APHA's National Bee Unit continues to take swift and effective action to stamp out the threat posed by yellow-legged hornets, all as part of ongoing monitoring and surveillance work to protect our pollinators. 'Thanks to increasing reports to the Asian Hornet Watch app and online, it is not unexpected that sightings may occur earlier in the year. 'We encourage the public to remain vigilant and continue to report any potential sightings to us.'
The Irish Sun
24-04-2025
- Health
- The Irish Sun
Chilling Asian Hornet warning as 1st nest of killer insect embryos found in UK this year
KILLER insect embryos have been discovered in the UK for the first time this year, according to experts. The ruthless species, also known as the 2 An Asian Hornet nest was found in the UK this month Credit: getty 2 A full nest can eat the equivalent of 50 bees a per day Credit: getty Originating in south east The She was the seventh queen found this year on the mainland but the first to be discovered with a nest. Last year, a read more in discoveries Asian hornet queens can hibernate overwinter in the UK before emerging in the spring to lay eggs. Spring is a crucial time for the Animal and Plant Health Agency's National Bee Unit, who attempt to disrupt their breeding cycle before they can become a A full nest can eat 11 kilos of bugs per season - an equivalent of 50 bees per hornet per day. So far this year, queens have been found in Kent , East Sussex, Shropshire and Hampshire, according to official data, with the first captured in Shropshire in January. Most read in The Sun Jersey in the Channel Islands has also seen a significant number of queen sightings this year. Members of the public can report sightings of the hornets, which are smaller than their European cousins and have How asian hornets are taking over the UK Experts believe it is thanks to members of the public that they have been able to find and destroy queens sooner. Kate Wilson, Head of the Animal & Plant Health Agency's National Bee Unit, said: 'Yellow-legged hornets cause significant damage to native pollinators, including our much-loved 'That's why APHA's National Bee Unit continues to take swift and effective action to stamp out the threat posed by yellow-legged hornets, all as part of ongoing monitoring and surveillance work to protect our pollinators. 'Thanks to increasing reports to the Asian Hornet Watch app and online, it is not unexpected that sightings may occur earlier in the year. 'We encourage the public to remain vigilant and continue to report any potential sightings to us.'
