feature Asian hornets
n By Keith Hatch KNOW YOUR HORNETS Workers encouraged to spot them
There has been growing concern about the increasing numbers of Asian hornets seen across the UK this year, and the public is being encouraged to report sightings.
Farm workers are ideally placed to spot the insect interlopers as they set up their distinctive hives in rural areas, and a new app has been developed to help identify them.
Asian hornets are a threat to ecosystems in the UK, and feed on honeybees and other vital pollinators. The hornets are currently being monitored by the National Bee Unit, with last year seeing a record number of Asian hornets in the UK, and growing concerns that the species has started overwintering.
The British Beekeepers’ Association (BBKA) says that sightings should be reported through the Asian Hornet Watch app, developed by the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, so nests can be traced and destroyed, limiting the insects’ spread.
One of the biggest problems is misidentification, with the BBK reporting that there were “more than
20,000 false reports of ‘yellow-legged’ Asian hornets last year.”
With this in mind, the app has an identification guide and can record sightings.
Asian hornets can be identified by their distinct markings. They are slightly smaller than the European hornet, with yellow legs, an orange face and dark black/brown body with one yellow/orange stripe on the lower abdomen.
Diane Drinkwater, chair of the BBKA said, “Given the scale of the problem with incorrect reporting last year, it’s more important than ever that as many people as possible know how to tell the difference between Asian hornets and some of the more common, native species.”
Paul Gibson works as a gardener with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, and is a Unite rep and beekeeper.
Regarding Asian hornets Paul said, “From a beekeeper’s perspective it is very alarming. From its discovery in France twelve years ago it has
established itself at an alarming rate and appears to be established in southern England and parts of East Anglia.
“It appears that as well as predating on the honeybee from outside the hive the hornet’s presence causes stress resulting in the honeybee not performing its core function of pollination and making honey.”
With so many new imported pests over the last few decades, and a constant threat of more to come, Paul fears that many beekeepers will give up. This would have a negative impact on horticulture.
“We go on about sustainability and wildflowers, however with fewer pollinators such as bees for orchard pollination, our fruit production could be affected.”
FIND OUT MORE
For the free Asian Hornet Watch app go to
www.brc.ac.uk/app/ asian-hornet-watch
12 uniteLANDWORKER Winter 2024
Alamy
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