Urgent warning over deadly hornet invasion that will put people’s lives at risk
EXPERTS have issued an urgent warning over a deadly hornet invasion that will put people’s lives at risk.
Brits are urged to be prepared for an “inevitable” full-scale invasion of people killing predators.
Asian hornet has caused a mass destruction around Europe – with attacks on people and ruining crops – and it could be now heading to the UK.
Experts said there is little time left until the yellow legged killers settle a firm hold in Southern England.
Andrew Durham from British Beekeeping Association said: “With 37 nests in 30 locations as of today our luck has run out.
“This year we started with a record number of queens. Now they are not just in trees – they are amongst people.”
The dangerous insect left a trail of blood in France after two people died after suffering a mass attack.
It has also destroyed wine fields and crops – leaving behind rotting grapes and the lives of pickers at risk.
“There are those that die every year of the sting, and often the victim’s health is compromised in some way,” Mr Durham explained.
According to the Environment department, there have been 29 confirmed sightings of Asian hornet this year – with many of them in Kent.
He said the general public should not ignore the warning and put up preparations for its “inevitable” arrival.
The boffin said: “It is a fundamental mistake to think the Asian hornet is only a problem for beekeepers because it misjudges the impact this invasion is going to have eventually on, not just on beekeepers, but undoubtedly on everyone.
“Whatever we do, we must not fall into the trap of trying to reinvent the wheel and ignore what the French have found out for us.”
The predators are easily distinguished from other hornets as their legs are black at the top and yellow at the bottom.
If people come in contact with their lethal sting, it can leave your skin swollen causing a deadly allergic reaction.
The expert is now begging people to be on the lookout and alert experts of any sightings.
He added: “I urge you to promote early detection by beekeepers and the public.
“It is a bit early to say it is established – but I’m not very optimistic we are going to be able to stop it becoming established.
“For every nest discovered, another one is out there.”
“There is no single solution to the Asian Hornet – it is about actions and defences being deployed at the correct time.”
It comes as another urgent warning was issued after an Asian hornet was spotted in a UK area for the first time in four years.
The venomous insect was spotted in the Folkestone area of Kent – with the last sighting in the county being in 2019.
HOW TO SPOT ASIAN HORNETS
The predators are easily distinguished from other hornets as their legs are black at the top and yellow at the bottom.
Worker Asian hornets tend to reach around 25mm and queens grow to 30mm.
If people come in contact with their lethal sting, it can leave your skin swollen causing a deadly allergic reaction.
To treat a hornet sting you should:
- Wash the area with soap and water and apply an antiseptic to clean the wound and reduce chance or infection
- Place an icepack or cold compress to reduce any swelling
- Elevate the affected area to reduce the chance of swelling
- Avoid scratching the area to reduce the risk of infection or irritation