Asian hornets are here in the UK.

Here are some simple things every member needs to do right now!  

Know how to ID an Asian hornet  and know why it’s important that we find all the nests this year. We can only find the nests by finding hornets.  https://www.bbka.org.uk/identify-asian-hornet 

‘Courtesy The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Crown Copyright’.

Each Asian hornet can eat 30 - 50 bees a day. They will decimate honey bee colonies very quickly.


Download the Asian hornet app. It’s got lots of photos of Asian hornets and other insects that are commonly confused with them.

Asian Hornet Watch app for iPhone

Asian Hornet Watch app for android

 

Asian Hornet Monitoring - Bait Stations

The importance of bait monitoring stations is being promoted by the National Bee Unit.

As an initial method of 'testing the waters' for what is in the area this can be an effective measure.  Asian hornets' range is most often measured as under 500m from the nest to bait.

Bait stations in a tupperware type box baited ideally with Suterra/Trappit (commerically available) are best.  Sugar sweetened fruit juice or rotting fruit can be good but are less effective.  Protein, such as fish, can be used but has disadvantages as it decays and may attract other pests/predators.  If seen, using the lid will trap a specimen to confirm ID.

In summer monitoring such traps for 10 - 20 minutes daily can be very effective.  Any Asian Hornet sightings should be reported, ideally with a photo, via the 'Asian Hornet Watch' app.

Wick bait stations, using a jar with a kitchen cloth wick through the lid, can last longer and the bait doesn't evaporate.

Enclosed monitoring traps can become kill traps if not checked regularly and by-catch is an issue that requires consideration.  Reserving these for periods following a confirmed local sighting may be appropriate.

More details of the different options can be found here.