*** ASIAN HORNET ALERT ***
Britain is facing an imminent invasion of the Asian yellow-legged hornet, Vespa velutina. This voracious predator could cause irreparable damage to our bees, including ALL WILD BEE SPECIES, as well as butterflies, moths, dragonflies, hoverflies and many other insects.
If this hornet is allowed to invade our countryside, we face a devastating loss of pollinators, that will also have a terrible effect on the food of many birds and bats. They are already in the Channel Islands and several nests have been found in England during the last few years. So far, we have managed to find and destroy all known nests found on the mainland, but beekeepers in Jersay are struggling to control this pest that is threatening to destroy their hives.
WE NEED YOUR HELP if we are to succeed in repelling this invasive insect.
How to identify the Asian Hornet (opens a new window) NB: this is the official Jersey government site, so only use their reporting process if you are on Jersey!
PLEASE LEARN how to distinguish the Asian hornet from our (harmless) native European hornet and other insects that are not a threat to bees.
DO NOT attempt to disturb a nest, as Asian Hornets will defend their nest area aggressively. Nests are usually found high in trees but can sometimes be found
in buildings, shrubs and occasionally even in or close to the ground.
If you think you have seen an Asian hornet (download and check here first), you should report it immediately.
If you are in South Devon, please call me (Phil) on 07891 554 012
and I will help you with identification.
If possible, PLEASE TAKE A PHOTOGRAPH of the suspect insect. (Individual hornets are very unlikely to sting when away from their nests and not physically threatened, so are generally regarded as safe to approach closely for a photograph.)
If you are able to help with identification and/or nest tracking in your local area, please send me a text and you will be able to join the South Devon Asian Hornet Action Team WhatsApp group.
You can DOWNLOAD THIS POSTER, print and display it on noticeboards.
South Devon Asian Hornet Action Team
contact Jo Lapthorn 01548 560165 or Phil Chandler 07891 554 012
For other areas, check this map