{"id":96133,"date":"2018-09-28T09:28:00","date_gmt":"2018-09-28T09:28:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/?guid=de7653598c3faf43cd15a1315a1b00b7"},"modified":"2018-10-15T16:28:36","modified_gmt":"2018-10-15T16:28:36","slug":"news-story-asian-hornet-uk-sightings-in-2018","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/?p=96133","title":{"rendered":"News story: Asian hornet: UK sightings in 2018"},"content":{"rendered":"

Updated:<\/em> Added finding in Dungeness, Kent<\/p>\n

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The Asian hornet (Vespa velutina)<\/a> is a species of hornet which is not native to the UK. It is smaller than our native hornet and poses no greater risk to human health than other hornets or bees.<\/p>\n

However, they do pose a risk to honey bees and pollinating insects. This is why we are keen to stop this insect establishing in the UK, and why you should report suspected sightings.<\/p>\n

When a sighting is confirmed, experts from the National Bee Unit (NBU<\/abbr>) and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA<\/abbr>) will work quickly to find and destroy any active nests in the area.<\/p>\n

Current situation<\/h2>\n

To date, there have been 13 confirmed sightings of the Asian hornet in England and six nests have been destroyed.<\/p>\n

Nine of these sightings occurred in 2018; an individual hornet in Lancashire (April) and Hull, three in Cornwall, two in Hampshire, one in Surrey (all September) and the latest in Kent (October).<\/p>\n

It is crucial you report any possible sightings so our experts can take quick and effective action to eradicate Asian hornets.<\/p>\n

Nicola Spence, Chief Plant Health Officer, said:<\/p>\n

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By ensuring we are alerted to possible sightings as early as possible, we can take swift and effective action to stamp out the threat posed by Asian hornets.<\/p>\n

While the Asian hornet poses no greater risk to human health than a bee, we recognise the damage they can cause to honey bee colonies and other beneficial insects.<\/p>\n

Please continue to look out for any Asian hornets and if you think you\u2019ve spotted one, report your sighting through the Asian hornet app or online.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

How to spot an Asian hornet<\/h2>\n

Asian hornets:<\/p>\n