A surge in sightings of the Asian hornet on Jersey has led to heightened concerns for honeybee populations in the UK this summer. The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) is particularly worried as the number of recorded queen Asian hornets on Jersey reached around 260 by April 11, 2023. This figure represents more than a tenfold increase compared to the same period in the previous year, as reported by The Times.

Recognisable by their dark bodies and distinct yellow legs, Asian hornets are predatory insects that are known to have a detrimental impact on native bee populations. Since their arrival in France in 2004, they have been responsible for the significant decline of honeybee colonies across the continent, with reports suggesting a loss of nearly one-third of these colonies in France alone. John De Carteret, a founding member of the Jersey Asian Hornet Group, expressed his concerns about the situation, stating, “We are obviously concerned,” as he spoke to The Guardian.

Defra has implemented measures to combat the hornet’s spread, including setting traps and destroying nests. However, the organisation warns that a warmer spring could potentially exacerbate the situation by increasing the hornet population. In 2022, it was confirmed that the hornets had managed to survive the UK winter for the first time, further raising alarms among experts about the potential for the species to establish itself permanently in Britain.

Ian Campbell, representing the British Beekeepers Association, warned that the UK is at a “tipping point” regarding the hornet’s establishment, suggesting that if the species becomes entrenched, some beekeepers in severely affected regions may be forced to abandon their efforts. He explained that “They like social insects (such as honeybees), because social insects congregate in groups — and that’s like an all-you-can-eat buffet for the hornet.” The predatory nature of the Asian hornets is particularly alarming, as they can consume between 30 to 50 honeybees daily. Their behaviour of hovering outside hives can also hinder bees from collecting nectar and pollen.

The presence of Asian hornets has intensified in the UK over recent years. In 2023, Kent emerged as a hotspot, accounting for 38 of the 52 hornet sightings reported to date. Notably, Folkestone has been labelled the UK’s hornet capital after 21 nests were destroyed this year alone. These sightings have not been limited to the south, as nests have also been located and eliminated in locations as far north as Hackney, east London, and North Yorkshire.

The National Bee Unit reported a significant increase in hornet nests destroyed, with 72 nests eliminated in 56 locations last year, compared to merely one nest in the preceding year. As these invasive insects continue to proliferate, the British Beekeepers Association emphasises the urgency for the public to remain vigilant and report any hornet sightings via the Asian Hornet Watch app.

The Asian hornet’s distinctive dark brown or black body, with a velvety texture and characteristic yellow-tipped legs, sets it apart from the native European hornet, which is primarily yellow with smaller black stripes and orange legs. Each nest, which begins modestly with a queen constructing a small shelter, can grow to a metre wide and produce approximately 350 fertilised queens annually.

As concerns mount over the potential establishment of Asian hornets in the UK, Campbell highlighted that the ongoing presence of a robust population in France means the risk of incursions into Britain is likely to persist. He noted, “They’re an apex predator, they are very successful, they are very adaptive, and the climate presents no problems for them – it’s rich pickings for them.” With government scientists and beekeeping communities on high alert, the focus remains on monitoring and controlling the spread of this invasive species to protect Britain’s vital honeybee populations.

Source: Noah Wire Services