Wanted...Asian Hornets!
Did you know that Bees in the UK are currently under threat?
During World Bee Day 2024, we discussed how bees contribute to the world we live in today, and we shed some light on why they may be under threat, as well as finding out the small things brits can do to help bee populations thrive.
Although there is no single factor alone that can determine the fate of our Beloved Bees, it is in fact the combination of threats such as; Asian Hornets, Fertilisers, beetles and, diseases combined, that can profoundly contribute to bee colony decline.
One thing that's grabbed our attention (in all the wrong ways) is the introduction of Asian Hornets.
Since 2016, sightings of Asian Hornets have increased around the UK after having been introduced potentially through imported cars, garden furniture, flowers, and other imported items. These highly aggressive predators pose a serious threat to pollinators such as honey Bees.
They lurk around beehives, cleverly waiting for their prey. Once a worker bee has been spotted, they latch onto and attack it, ripping off its wings and legs before feeding their young with whatever scraps remain of the middle body of the humble yet helpless honey bee.
Checkout the grizzly images below:
(Image Credit: Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs)
As you can see, they look very different to Bees and other Hornet species.
Incase you do get a glimpse of an Asian Hornet around a beehive, fruits or simply in the garden, please don’t disturb the nest! simply take a photo, and note down the time & location.
Report via Email: alertnonnative@ceh.ac.uk
