Britain is on high alert as a significant influx of aggressive Asian hornets approaches, with more than 500 nests already detected in Jersey, a nearby island. The number of nests found this year is four times greater than the previous year, each housing up to 10,000 hornets. Jersey, the largest Channel Island, is at the forefront of efforts to prevent a widespread infestation of these invasive insects that arrived from mainland Europe nine years ago.
According to John De Carteret, a key member of the Jersey Asian Hornet Group, there has been a notable increase in the number of people being stung, putting immense strain on Jersey’s government to manage the situation effectively. The lack of resources has led to delays in responding to Asian hornet sightings, emphasizing the urgent need for additional support and public involvement.
Government authorities, along with professional pest controllers and volunteers, are working tirelessly to address the rising number of nests, but there is a consistent backlog during this period. Despite the challenges, 469 Asian hornet nests have been identified so far. John remains optimistic, highlighting the importance of public awareness, engagement, and reporting in mitigating the potential impact of these hornets.
A recent study conducted by the University of Exeter revealed that Asian hornets prey on a variety of insects, with honey bees being their primary target. The study found that Asian hornets consume a wide range of species, including wasps, flies, beetles, butterflies, moths, and spiders, but honey bees are consistently favored, being present in all tested nests.