Asian Hornets -Threat To Our Bees!

They have been hitting the headlines once again this week with sightings reported in a Scottish supermarket distribution centres.  We have all read the horror stories of giant mutants rats generated by the media and cleverly positioned on a stick using false perspective over the size of the rodent itself . Is This Just Media Hype And Scaremongering?

Sadly not Asian hornets are a genuine threat to our rapidly declining bee population. One hornet can decapitate 40 Bees a minute in order to provide food for its own larvae. They will continue to do this until every Bee is dead.

Their activity usually begins between April and November so the Asian hornets in Scotland have arrived early! Queens will emerge from hibernation and begin nest building.

Each hive can contain 6000 hornets!

The impact on the Bee population is devastating if this invasive species is not dealt with. Bees are responsible for the pollination of a third of the foods we consume. Reports show “84% of the crops grown for human consumption – around 400 different types of plants – need Bees and other insects to pollinate them to increase their yields and quality”

The financial implications for the declining Bee population are also severe. Global crop pollination by Bees is valued up to $170 billion!
If you think you've seen an Asian hornet nest, then contact the Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) helpline on 03459 335577

How did they arrive in the UK?

Accidentally imported amongst pottery around 12 years ago the Asian hornet (vespa velutina) are not dissimilar to your average wasp, with dark brown bodies and those recognisable yellow stripes.

Their black heads and orange faces paired with their impressive measurements of 20mm means the Bees have a menacing opponent indeed.
They are not a dusk flying wasp so activity is usually during daylight hours. Preferred nesting sites are trees but garages and shed are also a possible nesting locations.

The Asian Hornet is a threat to our bees but as with most wasps and Bees they are best dealt with by professionals to avoid injury and nasty stings.

Call us today on 0800 158 3885 and we can help you remove nests and wasps safely.