Asian Hornet Infestation in the UK Under Control

Stopping the Spread of Invasive Asian Hornets

The rapid spread of invasive bee-killing hornets has been halted in the UK due to swift action taken by authorities and vigilant members of the public. The non-native Asian hornet, which arrived in France 20 years ago, can kill up to 50 bees per day and has devastated honeybee colonies in Europe.

Climate and Habitat Suitability

A new study published in the Journal of Applied Ecology found that there were areas where the climate and habitat were highly suitable for the yellow-legged or Asian hornet in various European countries. The study revealed that without action, the Asian hornet could have established itself across a minimum of 1,680 square kilometers (650 square miles) of the UK by 2020.

The Threat to Pollinators

The non-native Asian hornet is a voracious predator that has caused significant losses of honeybees in parts of Europe. The study predicts that if it establishes in the UK, there would be major impacts on wild pollinators. However, thanks to the efforts of the National Bee Unit and citizen science initiatives such as the Asian Hornet Watch app, no significant spread has been reported in the UK.

Rapid Response and Success

The swift action taken by authorities and the public has been instrumental in limiting the spread of the invasive hornet. The study’s lead author, Dr. Richard Hassall, praised the efforts of vigilant members of the public who report suspected sightings of yellow-legged hornets, followed by rapid action to locate and eradicate the insects and nests.

Citizen Science Contributions

The contributions of volunteers to citizen science initiatives such as the Asian Hornet Watch app have been inspiring. The study’s co-author, Professor Helen Roy, expressed gratitude to everyone helping to track the spread of the yellow-legged hornet, highlighting the importance of continued vigilance and collaboration in protecting pollinators.

Prevention is Key

The success in halting the spread of invasive Asian hornets in the UK serves as a reminder that prevention is key. Continued monitoring and action are necessary to prevent further introductions and establish effective management strategies for these pests.