Motorists have warned of ‘hitchhiking’ by Asian wasps after European holidays

Motorists are being urged to watch out for Asian wasps hitchhiking across Britain hiding in cars and caravans. A new report has revealed that there were a record number of sightings of the invasive insect in the UK last year, with the species posing a serious threat to native bees and insect pollinators.

The National Bee Unit destroyed 72 Asian hornet nests in 56 locations in 2023, with the majority of cases in Kent. Car rental firm Select Car Leasing is urging motorists who may travel to Europe during the summer, where Asian mink are established, to remain vigilant.

Queen wasps like to hide in sheltered places – including caravans and larger vehicles – and could then start to spread across the UK. Some sightings have already been reported in the UK.

READ MORE:

Graham Conway, managing director at Select Car Leasing, said: “Although the Asian wasp is not yet established in the UK and every effort is being made to ensure that this does not happen, the creature has made a home elsewhere in Europe.

“Asian wasps are believed to have accidentally arrived in France in 2004 after being stowed on a cargo shipment from East Asia. From that moment, Asian wasps not only settled in France, but also flew to other European countries, including Spain. , Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, Italy, Switzerland and Germany.

“And if you’re planning to travel to those countries in your vehicle this summer, you should check carefully before getting back on the ferry or Eurotunnel to make sure you’re not inadvertently carrying extra passengers.”

“Asian wasps can hitchhike in vehicles, caravans, trunks and trailers, and as more travelers get into their cars to head to the mainland, drivers need to be aware of the dangers.”

The government’s Animal and Plant Health Agency has also warned of the risk posed by hitchhiking wasps. In a blog post to mark the British Beekeepers’ Association’s Asian Hornet Week, the agency said: “As Asian hornets can ‘hitchhike’ goods or vehicles, they can reach anywhere, as well as being ‘hitchhiked’ from mainland Europe, so please look out for wasps in your area and report any suspected sightings.”

The Asian Hornet Action Team is also concerned about hitchhiking wasps. It said: “Queen wasps on the mainland hide in sheltered places to hibernate. Unfortunately, these include boats, caravans and trucks, so as traffic resumes, we are likely to see the influx of this invasive insect increase again.”

The British Beekeepers Association hosts a map of Asian hornet sightings and incursions, the latest update revealing how sightings have been reported as far north as Preston, Lancashire.

The report notes: “The first was in Preston, Lancashire, at a depot with regular lorries arriving from France.”

The Asian hornet is actually smaller than the European hornet native to Britain and only slightly larger than a typical hornet. The Asian Hornet Action team says that Asian hornets are “no greater threat to human health than European hornets or native wasps”, but warn that “under no circumstances should you attempt to disturb a nest, as Asian hornets are known to defend themselves the nest area. aggressive.”

Mr Conway adds: “All flying insects can pose a serious distraction risk to drivers, whether the animals are native to the UK or not. If a wasp, bee, or hornet somehow finds its way into your car while you’re driving, it’s critical. stay calm and try not to panic, before slowing down and stopping as soon as it is safe to do so.

“Once you’ve stopped, open all the doors and windows and wait for the bug to find its own way out. And if you’re extremely nervous about insects of a yellow and striped persuasion, it might be best to leave the windows. rolled and the air conditioning on.”