The UK’s Chief Plant Health Officer has warned beekeepers about Asian hornets, which are outshining the usual bees and wasps. Nicola Spence is urging the public and beekeepers to be on the lookout for Asian hornets and to report any sightings of the invasive species.

Asian hornets are smaller than native hornets and pose no greater risk to human health than native wasps and hornets. Although they have no impact on humans, the pests pose a major threat to honey bees and other pollinators.

Asian hornets are smaller than European hornets and have darker abdomens. They have yellow leg tips, orange faces, and an orange stripe at the end of their bodies.

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European hornets have brown leg tips, yellow antennae, and a mostly yellow abdomen. Asian hornets pose no greater risk to human health than native wasps and hornets.

In rare cases, a bug bite can result in death due to an anaphylactic reaction.

If you spot an Asian hornet nest, it’s best not to disturb it. They are not usually aggressive toward humans, but if they perceive a threat to their nest, they may swoop down and sting.

Last year, a record number of sightings of the Asian hornet were recorded in the UK. The Animal and Plant Health Agency’s National Bee Unit attended all credible sightings and found and destroyed 72 nests in 56 locations.

Most nests were sighted in Kent, but there were also sightings in East Sussex, London, Surrey, Hampshire and Yorkshire.

The National Bee Unit is on high alert, ready to respond to hornet sightings and take action to eradicate the pest in the UK.

This spring, the National Bee Unit began trapping in areas where there is an increased risk that Asian hornet queens may have overwintered.

Traps have been set at strategic locations in Kent, East Sussex, Devon and North Yorkshire.

Ms Spence said: “By informing us of possible sightings as early as possible, the public can help us take swift and effective action to eradicate the threat posed by Asian hornets.”

“Although the Asian hornet poses no greater risk to human health than other wasps or hornets, it can damage honey bee colonies and harm other pollinators.

“Please continue to be on the lookout for Asian hornets and if you think you have spotted one, report your sighting using the Asian Hornet app or online.”