The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is being disingenuous when it says that the Asian hornet poses no greater risk to human health than other wasps or hornets (Sharp rise in Asian hornet sightings in UK causes alarm, 17 August). It is a very aggressive insect that defends its nest with terrifying ferocity when it is disturbed, inflicting multiple stings that can lead to hospitalisation and sometimes death.
Neither is it accurate to say that nests are smaller at this time of year. On the contrary, now is when the nest is at its biggest and most populous, having built up during the summer. Defra’s claim to be able to swiftly and efficiently stamp the insect out is questionable. Teams are close to breaking point due to lack of personnel and resources. With the growth of the Asian hornet population now established, they will soon be overwhelmed.
The lack of realism on the part of the government and the absence of a serious and viable contingency plan leave Britain in danger of losing control of this invasion.
Alan Baxter
Asian hornet coordinator, Hampshire Beekeepers’ Association
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