PEOPLE are being encouraged to look out for and report any sightings of Asian hornets, which are threatening to our native honeybees.
The British Beekeepers Association says autumn is the time for trapping hornets as they are building their secondary nests and have a lot of larvae to feed, particularly the new potential queens. Honeybees are their favourite source of food.
David Newell from West Wilts Beekeepers Association is highlighting the issue locally during Asian Hornet Week (7th – 13th September). “The aim is to draw the attention of the public to the danger which this alien insect poses to our native pollinators (especially honey- bees)” he says, “and to encourage people to look out for the hornet and to report if one is seen anywhere.”
The British Beekeepers Association (BBKA) says, “It’s an alien species that could decimate our pollinators if it gets established in this country. Honeybees are a particular favourite of the Asian hornet. The hornets hang around hives of honeybees waiting for foragers to come out.”
During the week beekeepers are asked to put an hour aside every day to check their hives for hornets hanging in the air around the entrance – a behaviour known as hawking.
For the “See it, Snap it, Send it’ campaign, members of the public are asked to keep their eyes open for the insects, take a photo and download the Asian Hornet Watch app to help identify the species and report it to the Non-native Species authority.
British Beekeepers Association chair, Anne Rowberry, said, “We need you to look very carefully. Asian hornet nests can be found almost anywhere, at the top of a tall tree or in the eaves of a house, but have also been found in hedges. Do not approach a nest if you find one, stay at least 20 metres away. Just take a picture of the nest and area where you found it and send it in on the Asian Hornet app.
“Individual hornets may be found sharing the blooms on a bush with other pollinators. They will not mind you photographing them, but don’t annoy them by getting too close.”
During the week a youTube guide will be released on how to use the app, with several informative videos and an infographic about them.
