Asian wasp invasion alert amid reporting order when people told them how to spot them

An Asian wasp alert has been issued for the UK and there is new advice on what to do if you see one. Recent flooding and rising temperatures have increased the risk of an invasion, says the Wildlife and Countryside Link (WCL).

People are being told to be “increasingly vigilant” and report any sightings as we move into the peak summer season. The Asian hornet is smaller than a native hornet—and can be devastating.

They pose no greater risk to human health than native wasps and wasps, but can cause serious problems for honey bees and insect pollinators. The warning comes after a record number of Asian wasps were found in Britain in 2023.

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They can be identified by their very dark body. They have a broad orange stripe on the fourth section of the abdomen and yellow tips of the legs.

Richard Benwell, chief executive of WCL, said: “Invasive species are already one of the biggest threats to the UK’s environment, from choking waterways to out-competing native species. They also cause billions of pounds of damage a year to homes and businesses and even pose risks to human health.”

He continued: “Investment in a fully funded inspectorate and a strong invasive species strategy could help halt nature’s decline and create a more resilient economy.” Weather conditions over the winter have left some trusts “struggling to keep up with a tide of invasive species”. away’, as wet weather hampers their efforts, said Dr Rob Collins, Director of Policy and Science at The Rivers Trust.

“The Government must properly support local conservation groups nationwide who work tirelessly to stop our waterways being choked by nature’s invaders,” he said. The The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said members of the public can report any sightings via the Asian Hornet Watch app.

In 2004, Asian wasps arrived in France. They have since spread across large areas of Europe, with reports of them first appearing in the British Isles of Jersey and Alderney last summer, BirminghamLive reports.

Defra’s Chief Professor for Plant and Bee Health, Professor Nicola Spence, said: “By ensuring we are alerted to possible sightings as early as possible, the public can help us take swift and effective action to eliminate the threat posed by Asian wasps. While Asian wasps pose no greater risk to human health than other hornets or wasps, they can damage bee colonies and harm other pollinators.

“Please continue to be on the lookout for any Asian wasps and if you think you have spotted one, please report your sighting through the Asian Wasp App or online.” Martin Smith, Public Affairs Manager at the British Beekeepers’ Association, said: “This new app launched today by Defra is a welcome addition to the current reporting methods which have enabled beekeepers and members of the public to report possible sightings.

“The key to containment is to catch outbreaks as early as possible and allow the insects to be quickly tracked back to their nest. We will certainly encourage all of our 25,000 beekeepers to install the app and use it if they see what might be an Asian hornet nearby. their hives”.

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