UK put on Asian hornet alert with Brits given strict instructions 'if you see one'

While we are still waiting for a full week of sun, it seems we have been tasked with keeping on high alert in the meantime.

When outdoors this summer hoping to get a glimpse of some decent weather, make sure you keep a look out for Asian hornets.

Beekeepers, along with the general public, are being urged to be more vigilant and aware of the potential surge in Asian hornets, an invasive non-native species.

What is an Asian hornet?

Brits are being told to keep a look out for Asian hornets this summer. (Getty Stock Photo)

The Vespa velutina, known as the Asian hornet, is usually a slightly smaller insect to our native hornet and can be identified by their very dark body, wide orange stripe on the fourth abdomen section and yellow leg ends.

They pose no greater health risk than our native wasps and hornets, but they do, however, pose a risk to honey bees and insect pollinators.

Asian hornets are capable of consuming 50 honey bees a day.

The Health Officer's warning comes after 2023 saw a record number of Asian hornets found in the UK.

What happens if you get stung by an Asian hornet?

Jay Riggs from Zeal CBD, said last year: “If you’re stung from a regular hornet, their sting generally causes mild symptoms, but can be a lot more uncomfortable and more swollen than a bee’s sting.

"But getting stung by an Asian hornet will hurt a lot more, particularly as the toxicity is greater than most stinging insects.

"Its sting can be described as a feeling similar to being stabbed by a red-hot needle.

"Where the needle punctures the skin, it can swell severely and ache for a few days."

What should you do if you see an Asian hornet?

Asian hornets pose no greater health risk than our native hornets. (gov.uk)

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and Animal and Plant Health Agency said: "If you suspect you have seen an Asian hornet you should report this using the iPhone and Android app ‘Asian Hornet Watch’ or by using our online report form.

"Alternatively, e-mail [email protected]. Please include a photograph if you can safely obtain one.

"Identification guides and more information are available and if you keep bees you should keep up to date with the latest situation on the gov.uk sightings page and on BeeBase.

"It is important to take care not to approach or disturb a nest.

"Asian hornets are not generally aggressive towards people but an exception to this is when they perceive a threat to their nest."

What are the experts saying?

"By ensuring we are alerted to possible sightings as early as possible, the public can help us take swift and effective action to stamp out the threat posed by Asian hornets," Defra’s Chief Plant and Bee Health Officer Professor Nicola Spence said.

"While the Asian hornet poses no greater risk to human health than other wasps or hornets, they can damage honey bee colonies and harm other pollinators.

"Please continue to be vigilant for any Asian hornets and if you think you’ve spotted one, report your sighting through the Asian hornet app or online."

The National Bee Unit have also installed traps at locations across Kent, East Sussex, Devon and North Yorkshire.