Britain is on high alert as a significant influx of dangerous Asian hornets is imminent, with more than 500 nests already discovered in Jersey, a nearby island. The number of these hornets has dramatically increased on the Channel Island, which serves as a pathway to the UK mainland. Each nest can accommodate up to 10,000 hornets, and the current count is four times higher than last year.
Jersey, the largest of the Channel Islands, is at the forefront of efforts to prevent a widespread infestation by these invasive insects, which initially arrived from mainland Europe nine years ago and have since firmly established themselves. John De Carteret, a founding member of the Jersey Asian Hornet Group, expressed concerns about the rising incidents of people being stung and the strain it puts on the local government’s reporting system.
Efforts to combat the growing number of nests are being led by two government invasive species officers, supported by professional pest controllers and volunteers. Despite these endeavors, there is always a backlog of nests to address, with 469 Asian hornet nests already documented. The need for additional support and engagement from the public is emphasized to effectively manage the situation.
John remains optimistic despite the escalating numbers, attributing some success to increased public awareness, engagement, and reporting, as well as the dedication of experienced volunteer trackers. A recent study by University of Exeter researchers revealed that Asian hornets prey on a wide range of species, including honey bees, with every nest tested containing evidence of honey bee consumption.
