There has been a lot in the UK news about Asian Hornets in the last couple of years, as the increasing numbers of these non-native insects spreading through France and Belgium (and most of the rest of Europe) start to spill over into the UK either through direct flight or by hitching a ride on one of the numerous ships crossing the Channel. The dangers that they pose to our native insect populations -and any unfortunate larger animals (including humans) who inadvertently get too close to one of their nests – are now well documented. The danger that they pose to the survival of honey bee colonies is becoming equally well known, and the W&HB beekeepers are joining national efforts to prevent them becoming established.

The BBKA has a very informative page on identifying AHs at www.bbka.org.uk/identify-report-asian-hornet together with details on how to report them to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) so that action can be taken to remove a nest. Any overwintering AH queens will now (early April) be active (depending on the weather) and we will post updated  information here before then on ways in which members of the public in our area can safely assist in identifying them.