An Asian hornet hit squad has warned the UK could be overwhelmed by the aggressive insects if authorities don’t act fast.
Francis Russell, Asian Hornet Strategy Coordinator for the States of Guernsey, warned that Britain must work fast to eradicate the population before they cause a profound economic, public health and environmental impact.
The Channel Island is engaged in a race against time as they are threatened by being overrun by the invasive species.
In late August, Asian hornets were spotted for the first time in London and there have been 74 confirmed sightings since 2016 – including 69 nests.
An estimated 6,000 Asian hornets can emerge from each nest, including as many as 500 new Queens.
An estimated 6,000 Asian hornets can emerge from each nest, including as many as 500 new Queens
The channel island is engaged in a race against time as they are threatened by being overrun by the invasive species. Pictured: One of Guernsey’s crack squad of hornet eradicators removes a nest from a tree
Numbers of Asian hornets in Guernsey have rapidly increased to 38 Queens, five primary nests and ten secondary nests since they were first discovered on the channel island in 2017. Pictured: One of the hornet team removes a nest from a tree-top
The nests – which are often on cliff faces, at the tops of tall trees, in bushes or in quarries – are then tackled, often with the help of tree surgeons or the fire service. Pictured: A hornet team member abseils to secure a hornet nest
Mr Russell said: ‘Due to the arrival of hornets each spring, the annual eradication of hornets is considered the only achievable goal.
‘The threats are universal and apply equally across any region in Europe where conditions would allow this insect to successfully colonise.
‘One only has to research the situation in other European countries to see how far they have extended their distribution range since the original (accidental) introduction to France in 2004.
‘According to the published literature, the rate of spread is 75km/year.’
Numbers of Asian hornets in Guernsey have rapidly increased to 38 Queens, five primary nests and ten secondary nests since they were first discovered on the channel island in 2017.
But that it has not exploded further is testament to the hard work put in by the successful implementation of the anti-hornet squad’s efforts to keep numbers under control.
The insect is thought to have made its way onto the UK’s shores in 2016 in Tetby, Gloucestershire.
Last month alone 24 nests were destroyed in Hampshire, Kent, Surrey, Yorkshire, London, Sussex, Kent and Essex.
The insect is thought to have made its way onto the UK’s shores in 2016 in Tetby, Gloucestershire
The affects of the insects are astronomical – and Mr Russell warns that the cost of removing nests on Guernsey alone could reach £600,000 every year if the spread continues. Pictured: One of Guernsey’s elite team climbs a tree to tackle a massive nest
The Asian hornet team work to capture the Queens in the Spring and track and destroy primary nests at as early a stage as possible. Pictured: A hornet hunter secures a nest from a bramble bush
This compares to just two sightings in the entirety of last year, with only one nest destroyed.
The alien species have a distinctive velvety black or dark brown through while the abdominal segments are boarded with fine yellow bands and the final section is almost entirely yellow.
Mr Russell added: ‘This expansion in our island’s hornet populations in the first two years was cause for concern which was supported by the evidence of a similar occurrence on the neighbouring island of Jersey.
‘The evidence that we have collated is a good indication that Guernsey’s Asian hornet strategy (implemented in 2019) has, to date, been successful in preventing the establishment and further spread of this invasive non-native species on our island.’
The affects of the insects are astronomical – and Mr Russell warns that the cost of removing nests on Guernsey alone could reach £600,000 every year if the spread continues.
And the aggressive predator is also a major threat to Britain’s biodiversity – because 30 per cent of its diet is made up of honeybees.
This means the alien species threatens wreaking havoc on pollinating insects and beekeeping activities.
While they are no more dangerous than a normal wasp the hornets can kill people with allergies with just one sting – and are far more aggressive than native species.
And if one hornet sings an intruder they may be attacked by many more – leading to a heightened risk that the victim will be stung multiple times, which can lead to multiple organ failure even if the person is not allergic.
Mr Russell explained: ‘Asian hornets predate on honeybees which can cause the collapse of apiaries (witnessed in Kent and Jersey this year) resulting in a loss of income for local beekeepers as well as a reduction in pollinating services which may impact agricultural productivity.
‘Hornets can also decimate soft fruit and may be seen to have an impact on wine production.
‘Whilst their stings are said to be no more dangerous than those of the European hornet (Vespa crabro), Asian hornets are known to be more aggressive than native hornets, wasps and bees if their nest is disturbed.
‘Asian hornets prey on a wide spectrum of invertebrates as a source of protein to feed their young. Depending on prey availability, this may include wasps, flies, dragonflies, spiders and butterflies.
‘This predation will reduce populations of native invertebrates which, in turn, is likely to reduce populations of their predators such as birds.’
The aggressive predator is also a major threat to Britain’s biodiversity – because 30 per cent of its diet is made up of honeybees
When summer comes they immediately respond to any sightings – where strategically positioned bait stations allow them to track the workers’ flightlines back to their lairs
In Guernsey, fertile Queens are now able to fly directly across the channel from France, while others hitch a lift on travelling boats.
The Asian hornet team work to capture the Queens in the Spring and track and destroy primary nests at as early a stage as possible.
If the primary nest is missed, it will eventually become a large secondary nest in summer or autumn.
When summer comes they immediately respond to any sightings – where strategically positioned bait stations allow them to track the workers’ flightlines back to their lairs.
The nests – which are often on cliff faces, at the tops of tall trees, in bushes or in quarries – are then tackled, often with the help of tree surgeons or the fire service.
In one stunning scene last month a fire engine’s 104 foot crane allowed the crack squad to tackle the largest ever discovered nest on the island.
Mr Russell continued: ‘We have a number of operational objectives that developed from our strategy.
‘These fall under the general headings of prevention (capture of queens in the spring), early detection (through awareness raising and public reporting) & rapid response (tracking and nest destruction).
‘There is a significant amount of effort that goes into this work from our end. Achieving the objectives would not be possible without the support and cooperation of our island community, its people, and our landowners.’
Source: | This article originally belongs to Dailymail.co.uk
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