This killer insect set to invade the UK and it has already been seen in several locations

Insects are all around us and while we are used to seeing them we may not always know the difference between species. However, changes in the insect population actually have a massive impact on the environment and our security.

For instance, Asian hornets have already impacted the ecosystem in France and Western Europe, attacking honey bees. Unfortunately, it seems like this dangerous insect, which causes risks for other insects as well as humans, has managed to make its way to the UK where their population has increased dangerously.

So how did they get here and what should you do if you spot one of their nests?

How did Asian hornets make their way to the UK?

According to The Guardian, there is a ‘sharp rise’ in the amount of Asian hornets spotted in the UK. Indeed, whereas overall only 39 Asian hornets nests have been spotted since 2016, this year alone has counted 16 sightings. This is a huge increase compared to 2022 where only 2 nests were detected.

It appears that the dangerous insect was first spotted in the UK in 2016 but it had already been causing massive damage in France since 2004. Indeed, honey bees are the preferred target of Asian hornets as they:

sit outside honeybee hives and capture bees as they enter and exit. They chop up the smaller insects and feed the thoraxes to their young.

The Guardian reports that the species entered Europe through cargo transportation coming from Asia and that is probably also how it was introduced in the UK.

Where are they spotted the most?

It is reported that once Asian hornets set permanent residence somewhere they are almost impossible to stop. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has officially launched an ‘eradication campaign, destroying any nests and capturing individuals.’

It is reported that Asian hornets are usually seen in Kent, Dorset and also in the North in Newcastle.

Moreover, on 23 August, they were spotted in London for the first time.

Read more:Here's what happens if you accidentally swallow a bug

What to do if you see a nest?

The Asian hornet is most dangerous to other insects however it does pose risks to humans as well. Indeed, it is reported that in Japan, these hornets are responsible for killing at least 50 people a year. On the island of Jersey, The Sun says that ‘at least 10 people needed urgent medical treatment’ in July 2023 after they were stung by an Asian hornet.

It is advised that you be extremely careful when tending to your garden or when doing work in the house. Indeed, the Asian hornet likes to nest in various places such as trees, roofs or cliff faces.

Alastair Christie, Asian hornet co-ordinator for Jersey's government says;

They are in such varied locations, and efficiency and safety have to be prioritised when removing the nests.

If you spot a nest the first thing you should do is stay away! Even though they usually don’t attack humans without provocation, being near their nest puts you at risk of a group attack which can land you in the hospital.

Then, do not run. One because it is useless as they fly faster than you but also because they can perceive that as provocation. It should also be noted that they are attracted to the smell of alcohol, perfume and aftershave.

The most important thing to do if you come across a nest is to take a picture (from afar) and then send that picture to alertnonnative@ceh.ac.uk with the location details.

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Sources:

The Guardian: Sharp rise in Asian hornet sightings in UK causes alarm

Evening Standard: Asian hornets confirmed in London for the first time as numbers rise sharply in the UK

barrettineenv.co.uk: WHAT IS AN ASIAN HORNET, WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE & WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I COME ACROSS ONE?