The official villain of summer 2024? The vespa velutina – aka Asian hornets. The sinister insects like to dismember and feast on our precious bees and sightings here have increased a lot over the past 12 months. Now DNA testing has confirmed that the ‘aggressive predators’ have survived winter in the UK for the very first time this year, meaning they are breeding and could be around for good.
This time last year there had only been three Asian hornet sightings in the UK. But so far in 2024, that’s already gone up to 15. They’ve have been spotted in London as well as places like Canterbury, Rye, Folkestone Sandwich and Four Oaks.
Here’s everything we know so far about Asian hornets making it through their first winter in the UK – and what to do if you see one.
What to do if you see Asian hornets in the UK
The good news is that they’re unlikely to sting humans and, although their venom can be pretty nasty, they don’t pose much of a risk to pubic health. Still, you can show solidarity with our beloved bumblebees by reporting any sightings of the Asian hornet through this app.
Why should I report Asian hornets?
They eat a large range of flying insects, not just bees. They have already altered the biodiversity in certain regions of France and to limit the damage done by the Asian hornets in the UK, it’s all hands on deck.
Last year the National Bee Unit, which is part of the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs, said: ‘There is a high risk of this species becoming established in the UK, and it will take intensive effort to limit the speed of spread.’ Reporting sightings will help experts find and destroy nests.
How are Asian hornets bad for British bees?
The hornets prey on bees by sitting outside of their hives and capturing them as they fly in and out. They can eat up to 50 bees a day, chopping them into little pieces and feeding them to their young.
Julian Newton, a coordinator for the Asian Hornet Action Team, told BBC News: ‘One nest [of hornets] can destroy an entire beehive in a day.’
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