Seventh nest of killer hornets found in UK
7 October 2019, 11:28
A seventh killer Asian hornet's nest has been discovered in the UK.
The species catches and kills native British honeybees.
They decapitate up to 50 bees per day and take them back to their nests.
As well as bees, Asian hornets can be extremely dangerous to humans who can be allergic to their stings.
Seven nests have already been found and destroyed, but there are fears that more are yet to be discovered.
The hornets were mistakenly brought to France in a container of Chinese pottery in 2004.
They then flew north to the Channel Islands, where 55 nests have been found since 2018.
Since 2016 17 hornets have been seen in the UK.
The latest nest was found by the Department of Environment staff high in an oak tree in Dorset.
Ivor Kemp, of East Dorset Beekeepers Association said: “We are asking all our members to take proactive steps now. Members can set up monitoring traps to catch them and trace their nest.”
“If people have ivy in their garden they should play close attention and watch what is flying around it.
“Members can set up monitoring traps to catch them and trace their nest.
“We strongly advise that action is taken all over.”
He added: “There are huge risks associated with Asian hornets which have been demonstrated in France where they have devastated the honey bee population.”
