Brits are being warned as killer Asian hornets are set to arrive in the UK in the coming weeks after being spotted on the Channel Islands. The sightings of the Asian hornets, which possess a deadly sting and feast on bees, have led to fears that the bug will enter France soon, before descending across the Channel and into the UK.
Native to south-east Asia, the hornets were first spotted in the UK in 2016. As well as posing a danger to the public, the insect also represents significant threats to native bee populations and the wider environment, according to experts.
Experts have warned that the environmental damage caused by Asian Hornets in the UK could amount to over £7.6 million a year. The public have responded to the warning by snapping up insect swatters at record rates, with sales figures from OnBuy showing a 250% increase, as reported by LancashireLive.
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Liam Tickner, Garden and Outdoor Living Category Manager at OnBuy, said: “We’ve seen an enormous increase in sales of insect swatters this week, with sales spiking by a staggering 250%. The surge fell perfectly in line with news reports of killer Asian hornets being spotted on the Channel Islands, with Brits responding to the news by snapping up swatters at record rates.”
Liam says there are several ways to deal with large swarms, including destroying their nests and trapping the insects with bait. He added: “At this time of year, flies, gnats, and wasps increasingly become an annoying part of our lives.
"Moving into summer, as we open our doors and windows, plus spend more time outside, we are increasingly exposed to flying pests. In addition to this, with reports that killer hornets are set to flood the nation in the coming weeks, it seems people have decided to prepare themselves. At OnBuy, we sell a range of fly swatters, alongside other summer essentials such as insect repellent and sun cream – everything you need to comfortably enjoy the outside.”
