A MAP has revealed Asian hornet hotspots in the UK as the invasive species is set to swarm across the country – is your town on the list?
The UK is currently getting invaded by dangerous Asian hornets.
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Experts have urged Brits to remain “vigilant” as record numbers of the invasive insects are reported from the Kent coast to central London.
Evidence suggests that these hornets are in the first stages of becoming established in the UK.
This would be devastating for other pollinating insects who fall victim to these killer insects.
The map showed that those living in Kent could be in for a rough time as 38 of 52 hornet sightings were in that county in 2023.
The number of Adian hornets remained low in previous years with one or two usually spotted.
However, Last year saw record numbers as sightings of the killer insect soared by a staggering 3,800 per cent.
The majority were spotted in Kent and East Sussex.
Folkstone has been dubbed the UK’s hornet capital after a whopping 21 nests were destroyed last year.
The invasive species have also been spotted further north, with one nest destroyed in Hackney, London.
HORNET STING
The NHS warned the best way to remove a hornet stinger is to either brush or scrape the stinger sideways with your fingernail or the edge of a bank card.
Do not use tweezers to pull it out as you risk squeezing the poison into your skin, it added.
Asian hornets are usually 25cm long, have dark bodies, a wide orange stripe on the fourth abdomen section and yellow leg ends.
The invasive species threatens honey bees and other insect pollinators.
The Environment Department (Defra) said early trapping of the insect is fundamental to eradication efforts.
Recent flooding and warming temperatures have increased the risk of invasive species growing in the UK, according to the Wildlife and Countryside Link (WCL)
It comes after an urgent warning was issued over an Asian hornet “plague” amid record sightings.
Nature groups are urging people to report any sightings of the flying insects after they warned of a potential surge in the damaging non-native species.
Members of the public have been urged to report sightings via the Asian Hornet Watch App.
Richard Benwell, WCL chief executive said: “Invasive species are already one of the biggest threats to the UK environment, from smothering waterways to outcompeting native species.
“They also cause billions of pounds in damage a year to homes and businesses.”
Read more on the Scottish Sun
Kent-based beekeeper Simon Spratley lost 15 of his 17 hives to the hornets last year.
He said: “In my 13 years as a beekeeper, I’ve never been more frightened.”
HOW TO SPOT ASIAN HORNETS
The predators are easily distinguished from other hornets as their legs are black at the top and yellow at the bottom.
Worker Asian hornets tend to reach around 25mm and queens grow to 30mm.
The Asian hornet is a day-flying species which, unlike the European hornet, ceases activity at dusk.
It nests in tall trees in urban and rural areas, and nests can also be found in sheds, garages, under decking or in holes in the wall or ground.
Disturbing a hornet’s nest can be extremely dangerous as up to 700 insects will join in an attack on any perceived threat.
Don’t run. They can fly faster than you can and are intrigued by moving targets and consider running a provocation.
If people come in contact with their lethal sting, it can leave your skin swollen causing a deadly allergic reaction.
To treat a hornet sting you should:
- Wash the area with soap and water and apply an antiseptic to clean the wound and reduce chance or infection
- Place an icepack or cold compress to reduce any swelling
- Elevate the affected area to reduce the chance of swelling
- Avoid scratching the area to reduce the risk of infection or irritation