Pandemic will not stop Asian Hornet Project’s own battle

There are 270 traps going up around Guernsey to help catch the Asian hornet queens before they have a chance to build nests. The insects target other forms of wildlife, in particular honey bees.

Agriculture, Countryside and Land Management Services Asian Hornet Project co-ordinator Francis Russell and field and research officer Damian Harris have both been classed as essential workers during the lockdown, as their work is vital for the good of the island.

Mr Russell said they were relieved they were able to continue their work and they were taking precautions.

Currently they are distributing 270 traps, which will attract and trap Asian hornet queens as they wake in the warmer weather.

‘We are about a third of the way there with the deliveries,’ he said.

‘The aim is to get them in place within the next two or three weeks, when the Asian hornet queens come out of hibernation or fly across to the island.’

This year’s traps have been modified in a bid not to target other insects.

The spacing of the traps means there is one placed every 500 metres in Guernsey. They are placed on people’s property and volunteers will check them. Mr Russell said while a few were not able to help this year, most of the helpers had been keen to get involved again.

‘We are really pleased that everybody has been so supportive,’ he said.

‘We have to keep on this. While the focus is on coronavirus, it’s very important we don’t forget about Asian hornets or all our work will be for nothing.’

The Asian hornet staff are washing their hands regularly and placing traps on doorsteps, so people can put them up themselves. They can then send pictures to the team of what they catch.

The traps are baited with a special substance that attracts wasps and hornets. It contains alcohol as well and the smell of this deters honey bees.

They will be up for about nine weeks – in April and May – but will be taken down during June to avoid attracting bumble bees.

However, islanders without traps can still help. Last year, three Asian hornets were found inside people’s homes – possibly attracted by the smell or the warmth – so it is important that everyone keeps their eyes open.

Mr Russell said that with a lockdown, lots of islanders were also spending time in their garden. If they did see anything strange, it would be helpful to have a photograph so the team can get an idea of what is going on with Asian hornets.

The Asian hornet app can help islanders identify the insects.

The traps are not just going up in Guernsey. There are now 33 in Sark, two on Jethou and 40 on Alderney. There are also six earmarked for Herm, but the island’s travel restrictions have delayed getting them there.

• For more information or help identifying Asian hornets, visit https://www.gov.gg/asianhornet.