The​ ​Department​ ​of​ ​Environment​ ​Food​ ​and​ ​Agriculture​ ​(DEFRA)​ ​has​ ​said​ ​that an​ ​Asian​ ​Hornet’s​ ​nest​ ​has​ ​been​ ​found​ ​in​ ​North​ ​Devon.

Destruction of the nest which was found in Woolacombe will happen either tonight or tomorrow. The nest will then be removed and sent for analysis at a government laboratory.

Beekeepers vigilant

This follows the first confirmed sighting of an Asian Hornet on the UK mainland in 2017 two days ago in that area. A beekeeper near Woolacombe in North Devon saw an Asian Hornet hawking in front of his hives and also gathering nectar from ivy.

Beekeepers in the area need to remain vigilant in case secondary nests have been established. Bee inspectors who found the nest will continue their surveillance of the area.

Report sightings

Any sightings should be reported through the Asian Hornet Watch app or sent to the non-native species alert email address: [email protected]

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