Asian hornet threat remains due to mild weather

The invasive insects can cause a nasty sting for humans, but are a much bigger problem for local pollinators, with honey bees at particular risk.

On average 30% of an Asian hornet’s diet is made up of honeybees.

Secondary nests in Torteval and Town were found and removed during the summer, but the Asian hornet team has warned that the insects might be active elsewhere in the island still.

‘This time last year, we were busy tracking Asian hornets on Herm and destroyed a late nest on 3 November,’ a team spokesman said..

‘With this year’s milder temperatures, it is still possible that an active nest remains undetected somewhere in Guernsey.

‘Recently, we have had a lot of queen wasps reported to us as they move into properties to hibernate.

‘If you see something that you suspect could be an Asian hornet, please report it – remember that a photo or a dead insect is the only way we can confirm a sighting.’

The hard work of islanders and the Asian hornet team has resulted in Asian hornet numbers being kept under control.

But in Jersey, which is closer to France, where the insects are rampant, 140 hornet nests have been found this year.

Asian hornets are most active between April and November – peaking in August and September – and are inactive over the winter.

The mild weather is set to continue for the rest of the week, with a top temperature of 17C predicted for this weekend.

. To find out about hornets or to report a sighting, visit www.gov.gg/asianhornet.