Essex on alert after Asian hornet sightings across UK

According to The British Beekeepers Association (BBKA), as of May 25, a total of 19 sightings of yellow-legged Asian hornets have been confirmed in the England, mainly in Kent.

Purleigh-based pest control firm Pest ID describes the invasive species, non-native to the UK, as a "serious predator" of honey bees and other pollinating insects.

"A single Asian hornet can kill dozens of honey bees a day, imagine how many honey bees could die when a nest of Asian hornets can number into their thousands at the height of the summer," a spokesman explained.

Amid the small rise in sightings, and as the East of England baked in a 35C heatwave this past week, some parts of the region such as Norfolk have been described as "possibly in a perfect storm" for the invasive insects' arrival.

However, Kirk Day, managing director at Southend City Pest Control, said while the conditions may be right for the species, he's not currently convinced there will be a spike in sightings in Essex.

"Ten recorded sightings nationally (mainly in Kent) is still a relatively small number*, and it’s difficult to make confident assumptions that this will automatically expand into Essex purely based on short periods of hot weather," he explained.

"That said, it’s sensible for residents and businesses to stay aware and report any suspected sightings through the proper channels."

The BPCA has issued a comparison graphic to help identify the insects (Image: BPCA)

Instead, Mr Day has warned residents of a likely stronger season for wasps with signs of potentially higher numbers in Essex this summer.

"From what we’ve seen so far this year, the bigger and more immediate issue for residents in Essex is likely to be a strong wasp season," he said.

"With the mild winter, followed by heat surges, insect activity has started earlier and we’re already seeing signs that could point to higher numbers as we move into summer."

How to spot an Asian hornet

Asian hornets are smaller than the native European hornet and are usually identified by a:

• Mostly dark/black body
• Thin yellow band on the abdomen
• Yellow-tipped legs (“yellow socks”)
• Orange face

Explaining why warmer weather may attract Asian hornets, the spokesman for Pest ID added: "Does hot weather affect Asian hornets? In simple terms, yes. The hotter the weather, the more active hornets will become.

"They will forage for more food to feed their ever growing nest, thus more sightings will be evident. If warmer weather prolongs into warmer autumns, this will also prolong the hornets natural season, much like our wasps.

"At Pest ID we have been treating wasps well into November/December in recent years."

What to do if you spot an Asian hornet

Both Pest ID and Southend City Pest Control urge residents not to approach or disturb any nest and, instead to; take a photo if possible, note the location and time, and report it via an official reporting route so it can be verified and dealt with appropriately.

These routes include:

• The British Pest Control Association Asian Hornet Watch app
• Online reporting form - risc.brc.ac.uk/alert.php?species=asian_hornet
• National Bee Unit - nationalbeeunit.com/diseases-and-pests/asian-hornet/so-you-think-youve-seen-an-asian-hornet

Typical nesting sites

Pest ID says Asian hornets commonly build nests:

High in trees and dense hedgerows

• Around sheds, roof spaces, garages and outbuildings
• Occasionally in low shrubs early in the season
• Near water sources or flowering areas

Early nests are small and often hidden. Mature nests can become football-sized or much larger by late summer. Typically, the main secondary nest of the Asian hornets can be found high in trees, sometimes up to twenty metres high.

*Ten sightings were recorded as of May 20. The current number of sightings is 19.