The Asian Hornet in the UK has been issued with a “risk to human health” warning.

People are being urged to report any sightings of Asian wasps this summer as nature groups warn of a potential increase in the harmful invasive non-native species. The UK’s chief plant health officer, Nicola Spence, has called on beekeepers and the general public to be increasingly alert to the presence of the wasp after record sightings in the country last year.

Asian wasps pose no greater risk to human health than native wasps, but they do threaten bees and pollinating insects. The Department for the Environment (Defra) said the species is not yet established in the UK, but early trapping is key to eradication efforts.

It comes as Wildlife and Countryside Link (WCL), which represents 83 nature organisations, warned that recent flooding and warming temperatures have increased the risk that problem species already in Britain will increase and spread. These include Japanese knotweed, which can cause structural damage, Giant Hogweed, with sap that can burn skin, and Himalayan Balsam, which outcompetes native species and increases the risk of flooding.

The WCL said the volatile conditions also increased the risk of new species establishing themselves in Britain, such as the red imported fire ant, the Chinese crab and the Chinese mystery snail, which are making their way into Europe. 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.

“It also causes billions of pounds of damage a year to homes and businesses and even poses risks to human health. The River Trust, Plantlife and Buglife are among the groups in the coalition calling for government action to mark Invasive Non-Native Species Week from Monday.

“Investment in a fully funded inspectorate and a strong invasive species strategy could help halt the decline of nature and create a more resilient economy,” Mr Benwell said. Dr Rob Collins, Director of Policy and Science at The Rivers Trust, said the winter’s weather conditions had left local trusts “struggling to keep a wave of invasive species at bay” as the wet weather hampered their efforts.

“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 Coalition is calling for the annual invasive species biosecurity budget to triple to £3 million, with a further £3 million to fund a permanent dedicated Invasive Species Inspectorate.

It also calls for long-term government funding for Local Action Groups (LAGs) to create a biosecurity “citizen army”, as recommended by the Environmental Audit Committee. Other recommendations include reforming the process for listing ‘GB Invasive Species of Special Concern’ and proactively managing listed species that are already widespread and causing damage.

Defra said members of the public can report any sightings of the Asian Hornet, which have very dark bodies, a broad orange stripe down the fourth abdomen and yellow leg tips, via the Asian Hornet Watch app. It added that the National Bee Unit is prepared to respond quickly and effectively to any further possible sightings, having attended every credible report last year and destroyed 72 nests in 56 locations – mainly in Kent.

Responding to the WCL recommendations, a Defra spokesman said: “Invasive species threaten our native biodiversity and cost the economy billions every year, which is why we support the Invasive Species Inspectorate in their role to protect the nation’s biosecurity.

“Through our invasive non-native species strategy, we remain committed to going further to detect, protect and eradicate the threats they pose, while increasing coordination and cooperation with the public, land managers and businesses to achieve this .”