On 31 August we reported that to support 'Asian Hornet Week' 2-8 September,
Wiltshire Council had included in its regular update to residents, information about Asian Hornets.
The BBC News website has revealed that an Asian Hornet nest estimated to have contained up to 3,000 hornets was destroyed in Southampton on
24 September. Not so far away from Stratford as the crow (or hornet) flies.
Should you spot any unusual flying insects in this area or when you are visiting other regions of the UK, this post can be used as a reference.
Wiltshire Council:
"Asian hornets are a non-native invasive species that are currently being monitored by the Animal and Plant Health Agency’s National Bee Unit (NBU). The invasive insects are a threat to our ecosystem in the UK, due to their predation of honey bees and other vital pollinators. Last year saw a record number of Asian hornets in the UK."
Background
Vespa velutina nigrithorax, also known as the yellow legged hornet or the Asian hornet, was accidentally introduced into Europe from its native Asia. It was confirmed for the first time in Lot-et-Garonne in the South West of France in 2004. It was thought to have been imported in a consignment of pottery from China and quickly established and spread to many regions of France. As of December 2023, the hornet is established in France, Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, Italy, Switzerland, Germany and Jersey.
The hornet preys on a wide range of insects including honey bees. It presents a risk to invertebrate diversity in areas where nests are present at high densities and can be a health risk to those who have allergies to hornet or wasp stings.
In 2023 there were 72 Asian hornet nests found in 56 UK locations, the majority of which were in Kent but the closest to Salisbury was in the New Forest. Source
Last year also saw over 20,000 incorrect reports of Asian hornets, impacting the National Bee Unit's ability to respond to sightings quickly. You can help by learning how to identify an Asian hornet and how to report it.
