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Euractiv
5 hours ago
- Science
- Euractiv
Asian buzz kill: The killer hornet threatening Europe's honey
A single hornet can kill up to 50 bees per day Euractiv is part of the Trust Project The Asian hornet has terrorised Europe's honeybees – and their keepers – for over two decades. But scientists may have found a way to stop them from spreading. The black-and-orange Vespa velutina , around three centimetres long with yellow legs, first arrived in France in 2004, likely hidden in a shipment of pottery from China. Since then, it has spread to a dozen other European countries. Beekeepers in affected regions have reported hive losses of up to 50%, with each hornet able to kill 50 bees a day. And with several thousand hornets per nest the maths doesn't look good. For Cyndy Adolphe, policy consultant at pollinator NGO BeeLife, it's a grim gift that France gave to the EU's beekeeping industry. Last week, Ireland announced its second-ever sighting of the hornet and warned of a threat to biodiversity. Meanwhile, Belgian media reported that the region of Flanders is pouring millions into fighting the species, whose garden sightings have doubled this year. Like wildfire The insect's major threat to the European bee population is no secret to scientist, either. 'They spread like wildfire,' said Sophie Gray, a researcher at the University of Southampton in the UK. A single hornet nest can wipe out an entire beehive in days – and they are not easy to spot as they can be underground, in bird boxes, bushes or perched 15 metres up a tree. Global warming worsens the threat, allowing more hornets to survive winter and stay active from June to November. 'There is no respite for beekeepers any more,' Adolphe warned. And the consequences are clear. In the worst-case scenario, Asian hornets are estimated to cost the French economy €30.8 million per year. Tracking the buzz But Gray and her team believe they have discovered a breakthrough that could help solve these challenges: tracking the hornet's distinctive hum. Their research shows that Asian hornets buzz at around 51 decibels, with a fundamental frequency of 125 Hz. Using a directional microphone, nests can be detected from up to 20 metres away – and can be distinguished from bees or European hornets. The ability to quickly spot hornets nests may be a major breakthrough for beekeepers as it is a race against time once a hornet is spotted. 'It typically takes two to three days to find a nest after a sighting,' Gray explained. 'By then, the hornets may have wiped out a hive of 20,000 bees.' With Europe's pollinators already under pressure, this new tool could enable to detect the killer buzz of the beekeepers' buzz killer early.
Irish Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- General
- Irish Daily Mirror
'Killer wasp' warning as guidance issued on how to identify Asian Hornets
The public is being urged to stay vigilant and report any sightings of the invasive Asian Hornet after one was captured in Cork. The confirmed sighting - only the second in Ireland - was made by a member of the public and reported to the National Biodiversity Data Centre. A photograph submitted with the report allowed experts to verify the species, triggering a rapid response. Survey teams were dispatched, and while no nest was initially found, a hornet was trapped on August 12. Monitoring will continue to determine if it was a lone arrival or part of a larger population. The first confirmed Irish sighting happened in April 2021, when a single hornet was discovered in a garage on Dublin's northside. How it entered the country remains unknown. The Government today said that the Asian Hornet is considered a serious threat to Ireland's biodiversity. Even a single nest can wipe out local honeybee populations - leading to the term "killer" - but officials say the species does not pose a significant public health risk. Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O'Sullivan, described the situation as urgent. He said: "Asian Hornets are a threat to our native pollinators and our biodiversity. We must take even a single sighting very seriously. NPWS responded quickly to this report, with a team of experts rapidly tasked to monitor and survey the area. One individual was captured and a co-ordinated response is now underway through a new cross government taskforce who will continue to monitor the situation. We are also very grateful for the support of beekeepers and their associations in this endeavour." An Asian hornet (Image: Chris Luck / SWNS) He stressed the importance of public awareness, adding: "This incident shows us that members of the public are our eyes on the ground. Early detection is key if we are to prevent the establishment of this invasive species. I urge everyone to be vigilant and inform themselves so that they can recognise and report any sightings of the Asian Hornet to help us contain this invasive species and protect our biodiversity." Guidance on how to identify Asian Hornets has been issued. The species can easily be mistaken for native insects, including the giant woodwasp, dark giant horsefly or common wasp. While generally non-aggressive, the hornet may sting if provoked, so members of the public are advised not to disturb or attempt to capture it. What are Asian Hornets? Asian Hornets, also known as Vespa velutina, are sometimes referred to as "killer wasps" due to their aggressive behaviour and the significant threat they pose to honeybee populations and, to a lesser extent, humans. Graphic showing the difference between Asian and European hornets (Image: UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology) The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage said: "The Asian Hornet is a predator of honeybees, wasps, other pollinators such as bumblebees, hoverflies and spiders, which it uses primarily to feed its larvae. These prey are important for pollination of crops as well as wild flora and disruptions to their populations may have serious impacts on biodiversity and pollination services. Honeybees are its main prey with potential consequences for the honey production sector. However, the potential of the hornet to become invasive in Ireland is dependent on its successful establishment of colonies here." Confirmed sightings of Asian Hornets in Ireland The first confirmed Asian Hornet in Ireland was recorded in April 2021, when a single specimen was discovered in a garage on Dublin's northside. Verified by Dr A. O'Hanlon of the National Museum of Ireland, the insect was preserved in the museum's collection. How it arrived in the country remains unknown. Today marks only the second verified sighting on Irish soil. Spotted recently in the Cork area by a member of the public, the insect's identification led to the capture of an Asian Hornet on August 12. Experts are now investigating whether it was a lone arrival or part of a wider population. Can Asian Hornets kill humans? A single Asian Hornet can kill multiple bees per day, and a small group can decimate an entire hive, leading to the term "killer". Unlike honeybees, Asian Hornets can sting again and again. The sting of an Asian Hornet is said to be particularly painful and can cause severe allergic reactions in some individuals, leading to medical emergencies. Multiple stings from Asian Hornets can cause significant pain, allergic reactions, and in severe cases, can be life-threatening. An Asian hornet queen In their native Asia, particularly in countries like Japan and China, there are occasional reports of fatalities every year due to stings from various hornet species, including the Asian Hornet. In Japan, an average of 20 to 40 people die each year from hornet, wasp and bee stings combined. The NPWS said: "Asian Hornet will also sting people but in general, the sting is no worse than a sting from any bee or wasp in Ireland. The reaction experienced by people from their sting varies – as it does with wasp or bee stings – from most commonly a mild localized hive like throbbing swelling to more rarely, a severe reaction of anaphylaxis." How to identify an Asian Hornet According to Biodiversity Ireland: "Workers can be up to 25mm long, while queens may reach in excess of 30mm, which is considerably larger than any of our wasp species. The thorax is a velvety dark brown or black and the abdomen is dark with the exception of the 4th segment, which is yellow. "Legs have yellow tips, from which it takes its other common name the 'yellow-legged hornet'. The head is black with an orange face. Males can be differentiated from workers by their lack of a stinger. "ID features to look out for: Queen up to 3 centimetres & worker up to 2.5 centimetres long Dark colour antennae Long orange face Entirely brown or black thorax so no stripes on the middle/thorax section. Abdomen mostly black except for yellow band across the 4th segment with orangey-coloured lower segments. Legs yellow at the ends It has a small thin stinger that is retractable so normally not visible." What to do if you spot an Asian Hornet The NPWS has advised the public to become familiar with the identification features of Asian Hornet. Report suspected sightings in Ireland though the National Biodiversity Data Centre's Alien Watch reporting portal here. What to do if an Asian Hornet stings you If an Asian Hornet stings you, you should immediately wash the area thoroughly with soap and cool water, and apply ice to slow the venom from spreading further. If you have trouble breathing, visit an A&E as you may be allergic to the sting. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
Scotsman
07-08-2025
- Health
- Scotsman
My dog has eaten a wasp, what now? When to worry, sting treatment - and Asian Hornets explained
Dogs and wasps don't mix. | Canva/Getty Images It's peak wasp season - and this year another stinging insect is making its presence known. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The UK is experiencing one of its hottest summers on record, with sustained heatwaves throughout June and July creating an unexpected consequence: a surge in aggressive wasp activity far earlier than usual. Alongside this, the invasive Asian hornet continues to pose a serious threat to native wildlife and public safety. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad While the insect has yet to become established in Scotland, dog owners could encounter them while on holiday in England - and the Scottish Government is actively preparing for their expected imminenet arrival. To help out Rachel Garbutt, Vet Nurse at Butternut Box, has offered advice about the health risks dogs face from wasp and Asian hornet stings, and how owners can keep their pets safe. What Are Asian Hornets and Why Are They a Concern? Asian hornets, or Vespa velutina, are easily identifiable by their dark, velvety brown or black bodies, distinct bright orange legs, and a prominent yellow-orange band near the tail. Unlike native wasps, they are known for their more aggressive nature and their ability to sting multiple times. Their venom can cause significant pain and, in some cases, severe allergic reactions. Curious pets, particularly dogs, may accidentally disturb nests while on walks in parks, woodlands, or even in their gardens, leading to painful stings. What to Do If You Spot an Asian Hornet or Nest If you spot Asian hornets or suspect a nest near your property or along your usual walking routes, it is crucial to keep pets away immediately and report the sighting to local pest control authorities or the Non-Native Species Secretariat (NNSS). You can do this via their app, Asian Hornet Watch, or their website. It is paramount to avoid attempting to remove or disturb nests yourself, as this can provoke a highly aggressive swarm response, putting both you and your pet at significant risk. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Wasp stings and walkies Alongside the emerging threat of Asian hornets, wasp activity typically peaks during the summer months, particularly in late summer as their food sources change. Wasps can sting repeatedly and are more likely to become aggressive when their nests are disturbed or they feel threatened. Dogs enjoying walks, garden playtime, or sniffing around picnic spots are prime candidates for accidental stings. What to do if your dog gets stung Take a close but gentle look at your dog's skin for any swelling, redness, or a visible sting. Unlike bees, wasps don't leave their stinger behind, so you won't have to worry about removing one. Make sure your dog has plenty of fresh, cool water and a quiet, shady spot to relax. Try to keep them from licking or scratching the sting, since that can make things worse or cause an infection. Watch for signs like vomiting, swelling around the face or neck, trouble breathing, weakness, excessive drooling, or collapse. If any of these happen, it could be a serious allergic reaction, and you'll need to get them to a vet right away. Applying something cold, like a cold pack or a damp cloth, to the sting can help ease pain and reduce swelling. To avoid more wasp stings, try to stay away from known nests, cover outdoor food and drinks, and consider planting natural repellents like mint, eucalyptus, or thyme in your yard. Generally, if your dog has been stung, it's best to offer water but hold off on feeding them right away, especially if they seem uncomfortable, swollen, or are showing any signs of distress. Feeding could sometimes upset their stomach further or interfere if they need medication later. Your Dog Ate a Wasp — Now What?
The Guardian
13-04-2025
- Science
- The Guardian
‘Unprecedented' sightings of Asian hornets raise fears for UK bees
They have bright yellow legs, are about 25mm (almost 1in) long, and a single colony, if left unchecked, can 'butcher' 90,000 pollinating insects in just one season. Since the first UK sighting in 2016 of Vespa velutina – the Asian or yellow-legged hornet – beekeepers and scientists have waged a vigorous campaign to minimise the damage this invasive species can do to Britain's biodiversity and bee colonies. Last year, a wet spring and washout summer appeared to have hindered the insect's population growth as the number of nests spotted in the UK dropped from 72 in 2023 to 24 in 2024. But it was also the first year that the National Bee Unit received confirmation, via DNA, that the hornets had successfully bred and over-wintered in the UK. Now experts fear the dry, sunny start to spring this year and the rapid spread of the species in Europe will lead to a surge in this year's numbers. 'Unprecedented' early sightings of Asian hornets have been recorded in Jersey, leading experts to suspect that record numbers could try to establish nests in the UK this year. 'The first queens were more than two weeks early this year,' said John De Carteret, a founding member of the Jersey Asian Hornet Group, which has about 550 traps in place this year. 'We're obviously concerned.' There were 262 queen Asian hornets recorded on Jersey by 11 April, a year-on-year increase of 1,090%. 'When we reach 266 queens, we will equal the total from 2024 – and that figure wasn't reached until 25 June,' said De Carteret. Ian Campbell, of the British Beekeepers Association, said: 'There's a strong risk of this year's numbers being at least as high as in 2023 and the potential to be even higher. It would be a surprise if numbers were not above the 2024 level.' The species is carnivorous, and a typical nest of between 2,000 and 3,000 Asian hornets can devour more than 11kg (about 24lb) of insects a season, according to Campbell – about the weight of 90,000 bees. The public is being urged to 'be vigilant everywhere' and learn how to identify and report Asian hornets, which have yellow legs and a distinctive orange band on the fourth segment of their abdomens – alongside entirely black velvety thoraxes, which distinguish them from the native European hornet. Like bees, their stings can cause painful and potentially deadly allergic reactions. Any 'sightings of concern' should be reported to the government's National Bee Unit via the Asian Hornet Watch app or online, using the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (UKCEH) reporting tool. 'Yellow-legged hornets cause significant damage to native pollinators, including our much-loved honeybees,' said Kate Wilson, head of the National Bee Unit. 'Thanks to increasing reports to the 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.' Such sightings can help people working to combat the spread of Asian hornets to understand the national picture. 'I collected one from a lady in her 80s after she captured it in a yogurt tub, while the youngest person who reported one was eight,' De Carteret said. Ecology professor Helen Roy of UKCEH and Exeter University said the hornets pose 'a major threat' to wildlife and biodiversity: 'There isn't a natural enemy that we're aware of that could control the Asian hornet.' It is thought that successive generations of the offspring of a single mated queen, which was accidentally introduced to France in a container of Chinese crockery in 2004, have now reached 15 European countries, including the UK. 'In some countries like Spain and Belgium, we've seen numbers increase from a handful of nests to 10,000 nests in four years,' said Campbell. France is believed to have more than a half a million nests, which researchers believe could be costing the French economy an estimated €30.8m a year in lost bee colonies and honey revenue, while the invaders have reduced honey production by 35% in Portugal and 50% in Liguria, Italy, in recent years. In March, the first large-scale study of the Asian hornet's diet, run by researchers at Exeter University, found 1,400 different species in their guts. Of the top 50 invertebrate prey species identified, 43 were known to visit flowers. These included Europe's three main crop pollinators: the European honeybee, the buff-tailed bumblebee and the red-tailed bumblebee. De Carteret, a retired police forensic officer, said hornets will typically 'butcher' this prey by biting off their heads, wings, legs and abdomens so that their thoraxes – a source of protein – can be fed to the queen's larvae. So far this year, there have been only two confirmed sightings of yellow-legged hornets in the UK, but 'now is the time for people to be on the lookout', Roy said. If the government had not destroyed the nests the public has been reporting since 2016, modelling by Exeter University suggests that the hornets would already be established in large areas of England and Wales, and entering Scotland. Campbell said it was important to try to take photos of suspected Asian hornets and their nests: last year, from more than 29,000 reports, only about 70 were deemed accurate enough to be confirmed sightings. 'To be successful with eradication, the National Bee Unit needs to get every single nest,' he said. New hornet queens are constantly buzzing into the UK from Europe to replace those that have been eradicated. 'The Asian hornet can arrive in a lot of different ways. It can come in on fresh produce or within someone's car, across any Channel crossing,' Roy said. 'Everyone needs to be vigilant, everywhere.'
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
1,400 different bug species found in the guts of Asian hornets
One of the world's largest hornet species appears to have quite a diverse palate. When studying the Asian hornets' (Vespa velutina) gut contents, a team of researchers from the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom, they found evidence of 1,400 different species–including some crucial pollinators. The team saw a wide range of insects such as bees, wasps, beetles, flies, butterflies, moths, and even some arachnids. The findings are detailed in a study published March 4 in the journal Science of The Total Environment. Also known as yellow-legged-hornets, Asian hornets are a social species of predatory wasp. They are about one inch long and can build nests that can contain up to 6,000 workers. They are native to southeastern Asia and considered an invasive species in Europe and North America. They are particularly threatening to honey bees and other native insects that pollinate important crops. The lack of pollinators can threaten food supplies and the ecosystem as a whole. Asian hornets are not to be confused with the headline grabbing 'murder hornets' (Vespa mandarinia). They are a different species and were successfully eradicated in the United States last year after first being spotted in 2019. In the new study, the team looked at Asian hornet samples from France, Spain, and the island of Jersey throughout the hornet's active season. The European honey bee was the most common species found in the hornets' guts, and appeared in all of the sample nests and the larvae from those nests. However, their diet appears to be much more broad than initially expected. 'Asian hornets are known to prey on honey bees, but until now the full range of their diet hasn't been tested,' study co-author and University of Exeter molecular ecologist Siffreya Pedersen said in a statement. 'The diet varied strongly over the seasons and between regions, showing that they are highly flexible predators. 'Most insect populations are in decline due to factors such as habitat destruction and chemical pollution. The expanding area inhabited by Asian hornets poses an extra threat.' CREDIT: Chris Isaacs. The team used a method called deep sequencing–which sequences a region of the genome multiple times–to identify the prey species in the guts of more than 1,500 Asian hornet larvae. The larvae typically eat food that is provided by adult hornets. Of the top 50 invertebrate prey species that the team identified, 43 are known to visit flowers. Europe's top three main crop pollinators–the European honey bee, the buff-tailed bumblebee and the red-tailed bumblebee–were also represented in the samples. [ Related: How a single honey bee colony led to a species invasion. ] 'Insects play vital roles in enabling ecosystems to function–including pollination, decomposition and pest control,' Pedersen said. According to the team, this provides additional evidence of the threat that Asian hornets pose as they spread. Gardeners and the general public are encouraged to get to know what these hornets look like and report their nests to local authorities.
