Asian hornets spotted near Havelet

The sightings were reported to the Asian Hornet Team on Sunday. The insects were spotted in a garden, foraging for nectar from a false castor oil plant.

After early investigation, the Asian Hornet Team believe that there is a nest present in the Havelet/Hauteville area of St Peter Port but it could well be further afield.

Asian Hornet Strategy project coordinator Francis Russell said it was vital they find the nest quickly.

'Queen hornets will shortly be leaving the large nests to hibernate,' he said.

'Any queens that survive the winter will go on to build new nests next year which is why it is so important that any nests are found and dealt with as soon as possible. Over the next week or so, we will continue to set up and monitor bait stations in the Havelet/Hauteville vicinity to track the worker hornets as they fly back to the nest. '

All land owners and any beekeepers living within a 2km radius of the Hotel de Havelet are being asked to look out for any unusual insects visiting their garden. The presence of active, dark coloured insects could prove to be Asian hornets flying to and from their nest.

The team advised that it was worth checking late flowing shrubs, such as the false castor oil plant, as well as hedges and trees, for signs of a nest. At this time of year, it is likely that a nest would be larger than a football and might be easier to spot as the leaves are falling. Asian hornets prefer to nest high up in deciduous trees. However in Alderney and Jersey nests have been found low down in brambles.

Mr Russell said the public's help had been vital in helping find the insects.

'We would like to thank members of the public and the Guernsey Beekeepers Association for their assistance with hornet sightings this year,' he said.

'It is vital that we keep on top of the hornet problem so please remain vigilant and continue to report any sightings to us.'

Asian hornets are a risk to local pollinators, including honey bees.

Last year eight nests were found in Guernsey, but so far only one has been found this year. That was in St Saviour's and was removed in September.

This compares with more than 70 nests having been found in Jersey this year.

If a suspected hornet is sighted, the public should take a photo if possible and email it to asianhornet@gov.gg, phone 234567 or contact the team through www.facebook.com/asianhornets. Information about the direction the hornet flies in is helpful for the Asian Hornet Team, who can then start tracking worker hornets back to their nest which can be safely treated and taken down.