If you spot Asian hornets flying around your garden or while you’re out and about, you might wonder what you should do.
Nature groups are warning of a potential surge in damaging invasive non-native species.
The UK’s chief plant health officer Nicola Spence has called for beekeepers and the wider public to be increasingly vigilant to the presence of the hornet after record sightings in the country last year.
While Asian hornets pose no greater risk to human health than native hornets, they do threaten honey bees and insect pollinators.
Here’s what you should do if you see one.
What should I do if I see an Asian hornet?
People are being urged to report any Asian hornet sightings.
An app called Asian Hornet Watch was launched in 2017 and gives people the opportunity to report sightings of the insect, according to the government website.
The app can be downloaded on iOS and Android.
The Environment Department (Defra) said the species is not established in the UK yet but early trapping is fundamental to eradication efforts.
It comes as the Wildlife and Countryside Link (WCL), which represents 83 nature organisations, warned that recent flooding and warming temperatures have increased the risk of problem species already in the UK growing and spreading.
Asian Hornet devours a wasp on the 'UK frontline'
This includes Japanese Knotweed, which can cause structural damage, Giant Hogweed, with sap that can cause burns to skin, and Himalayan Balsam, which out-competes native species and increases flood risks.
Recommended reading:
- UK government warning as deadly Asian hornets spotted 3 times in past week
- Garden experts share 7 tips for keeping rats out of your garden
- 7 bugs that could be living rent-free in your kitchen cupboards - how to spot
The WCL said the volatile conditions have also increased the risk of new species establishing themselves in the UK, like the Red Imported Fire Ant, Chinese Mitten Crab and Chinese Mystery Snail, which are making their way across Europe.
Richard Benwell, WCL chief executive, said: “Invasive species are already one of the biggest threats to the UK environment, from smothering waterways to outcompeting native species.
“They also cause billions of pounds in damage a year to homes and businesses, and even pose risks to human health.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here