Beekeepers prepare for 'inevitable' arrival of Asian hornets

Guernsey Beekeepers Association president Chris Tomlins said one was in the Vale on Sunday and another was in St Andrew's last week.

The hornets pose no more risk to people than wasps. However, they have been reported to be able to kill up to 50 bees a day.

The local sightings come after the first confirmed one in Jersey last week. The insect, which is believed to have spent the winter hibernating in the island, was discovered alive in a house at Anne Port.

Mr Tomlins said both of those who spotted what they thought were Asian hornets in Guernsey were 'fairly adamant' that it was the real thing.

However, he said, very often it was actually another insect.

'There are quite a number of insects that look similar, so it may well not have been.'

Mr Tomlins said that it could only be confirmed for certain if the insect was caught.

'They can appear anywhere in the island,' he said.

'They will reach us, I don't think there is any doubt over that.'

Go to the association's website is www.gbka.org.gg for details on how to make an Asian hornet trap