Members of the public have been urged to "remain vigilant" following recent sightings of an invasive insect species in some areas of England, including Northumberland.
The Asian Hornet is a major concern because it is a significant predator of bees, with nature organisations including the RSPB expressing a worry that the species could have a huge impact on bee populations and therefore the country's entire ecosystem. After being inadvertently brought across to France from east Asia back in 2004, most likely in a shipment of goods, the species has spread rapidly and has since moved into adjoining European countries including Spain, Portugal and Belgium.
There have been 23 confirmed sightings of Asian Hornets in England between 2016 and 2022, including 13 nests, with authorities quickly working to eradicate them before they could establish a foothold in the country. The Government has robust strategies in place to respond to the presence of Asian Hornets in Britain, with the public urged to report any suspected sightings to authorities.
READ MORE: Gardeners warned not to cut grass or mow their lawns during May and June
On April 11 the National Bee Unit (NBU) reported a credible sighting of an Asian Hornet in Northumberland, in a vegetable delivery from France. The NBU commented: "This was a single hornet incursion and follow up activities will take place to raise risk awareness with the producer/distributor/seller."
Asian Hornets, which are typically active between April and November, were also spotted last month in Kent and Dorset. The invasive species was seen in Folkestone on April 13, but flew off before it could be captured, while another hornet was also sighted on the deck of a ferry from Poole to Cherbourg on April 10.
The British Beekeepers Association said of these recent sightings: "The details from the report suggest this was a single hornet incursion. Beekeepers in the area and volunteer Asian hornet teams will be asked to maintain vigilance and monitor for Asian hornet."
How to spot an Asian Hornet
The key features of an Asian Hornet are a black or dark brown body colour, with a distinct yellow band at the rear, a fine, bright yellow 'belt' at the waist, and a black head with an orange or yellow face, according to the British Pest Control Association (BPCA). They are slightly smaller than our native hornets, and have a dark abdomen and a fourth yellow segment.
Another way to tell the difference is that Asian hornets have bright yellow tips to the legs while our native hornets have dark legs. If you're unsure of which winged insects are frequenting your garden, you can use the BPCA's fact sheet for tips on how to distinguish between bees, wasps and hornets.
The species is not to be confused with the Asian Giant Hornet - the world's largest hornet which is sometimes referred to as a "murder hornet". These hornets are native to East Asia and Japan, where they are responsible for an estimated 30 to 50 human deaths a year according to the BPCA - but there have been no recorded sightings of them in the UK to date.
What to do if you see an Asian Hornet
If you spot an Asian Hornet, you should report the sighting immediately to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) Non-native Species Secretariat immediately, the BPCA urges. You can use the Asian Hornet Watch app for iPhone and Android to record and report any sightings, or alternatively send your photos and videos by email to: alertnonnative@ceh.ac.uk.
READ NEXT:
Gardeners share simple 40p trick to kill weeds 'instantly' without bleach
Spring flowers that are toxic to dogs including daffodils, bluebells and tulips
Warning over six laws you may be breaking in your own back garden without knowing it
This 65p plant from Asda could stop flies coming into your home in hot weather
