KILLER Asian hornets have spread to new territory in the UK.
The invasive species is known for hunting down other essential insects, particularly native bees.
Just one of the yellow-legged hornets has the destructive thirst to eat up to 50 honeybees in a single day.
They made their way to England ten years ago, with soaring numbers spotted every year.
Last year, there were 544 credible sightings and 161 confirmed nests, which were urgently destroyed.
Now for the first time, an Asian hornet nest has been uncovered in Wales.
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Fortunately the nest was dead but this latest find suggests the vermin are continuing to spread.
The public have been warned to “be vigilant” and on the look out as February approaches, which is when Asian hornets tend to come out of hibernation.
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They’re most likely to be seen from from July until November.
Although Asian hornets are harmful to bees, they don’t pose any greater risk to humans than an ordinary bee – but they may sting if provoked.
There have been rare tragic cases of people dying as a result of stings.
Last year, it was reported that a teacher dad and his son were killed after a swarm stung them “more than a hundred times” as they were ziplining on holiday in Laos.
The public have been urged to report any possible sightings in the Asian Hornet Watch app, to help track the species’ movements and enable experts to destroy their nests.
They are easily distinguished from other hornets, as their legs are black at the top and yellow at the bottom.
“The National Bee Unit has years of experience tracking and locating yellow-legged hornets so their expertise will be invaluable in helping us take action against the insect in Wales,” said Huw Irranca-Davies, the Deputy First Minister of Wales.
“I’d like to thank beekeepers and members of the public who I know remain alert and continue to report suspected sightings
“We need everyone to become familiar with what yellow-legged hornets look like.
“As the weather warms up in the spring and especially on into the summer, please continue to be vigilant.”
Asian hornets arrived in Europe by accident in 2004, in a container of Chinese crockery being shipped to France.
HOW TO SPOT ASIAN HORNETS
The predators are easily distinguished from other hornets as their legs are black at the top and yellow at the bottom.
Worker Asian hornets tend to reach around 25mm and queens grow to 30mm.
The Asian hornet is a day-flying species which, unlike the European hornet, ceases activity at dusk.
It nests in tall trees in urban and rural areas, and nests can also be found in sheds, garages, under decking or in holes in the wall or ground.
Disturbing a hornet’s nest can be extremely dangerous as up to 700 insects will join in an attack on any perceived threat.
Don’t run. They can fly faster than you can and are intrigued by moving targets and consider running a provocation.
If people come in contact with their lethal sting, it can leave your skin swollen causing a deadly allergic reaction.
To treat a hornet sting you should:
- Wash the area with soap and water and apply an antiseptic to clean the wound and reduce chance or infection
- Place an icepack or cold compress to reduce any swelling
- Elevate the affected area to reduce the chance of swelling
- Avoid scratching the area to reduce the risk of infection or irritation
