STING IN THE TAIL
What are Asian hornets and do they sting?
Plus clues to identifying an Asian hornet
BRITAIN has been told to be on alert for Asian hornets.
Here we take you through what to look for, how poisonous they can be, and what to do if you spot one.
4
What are Asian hornets?
Asian hornets, which have the Latin name Vespa velutina, are large insects that prey on smaller creatures.
They have a direct impact on honey bee colonies by killing them to feed their own brood.
A single hornet can kill up to 40 bees per minute due to its large mandibles.
The hornet is usually home to temperate and tropical East Asia, South Asia, Mainland Southeast Asia, and parts of the Russian Far East.
Experts are predicting a plague of the killer insects sweeping the country in 2024.
They were spotted here just twice in 2022, but that rose to 78 times in 2023.
As of May 2024, eight have been reported in the UK so far this year.
The South East - and Kent in particular - is on the front-line of the battle to tackle the invasive species.
Latest in News
The British Beekeepers Association confirmed an Asian hornet was found in a potting shed in Ash, near Sandwich, in March 2024.
Experts are now warning Brits of a hornet invasion.
New alert system for killer giant Asian hornet invasions unveiled as critter is spotted in Britain earlier than expected
Scientists warn that nests have now been found in East Sussex, Kent, Devon and Dorset.
They are concerned that climate change will make conditions in Britain favourable for the hornets.
Dr Gavin Broad from the Natural History Museum told the BBC: "We are transporting all sorts of plants and animals - fungi even - outside of their native ranges to places where the local environment has not evolved along with them, so they cause many threats to food security, to our native animals and plants."
The economic cost of the invasive species has risen to more than £300 billion a year across the world.
4
What size are Asian hornets and what do they look like?
Asian hornets look similar to native European hornets but with darker colouring.
Queens grow up to 3cm in length, and workers up to 2.5cm.
Their bodies are dark brown or black, and bordered with a yellow band, while they have one band across the abdomen.
Their legs are brown with yellow ends and they have an orange face.
How to identify an Asian hornet nest
The Asian hornet is a day-flying species which, unlike the European hornet, ceases activity at dusk.
It nests in tall trees in urban and rural areas, and nests can also be found in sheds, garages, under decking or in holes in the wall or ground.
Disturbing a hornet’s nest can be extremely dangerous as up to 700 insects will join in an attack on any perceived threat.
Don't run. They can fly faster than you can and are intrigued by moving targets and consider running a provocation.
Crouch low to the ground, stop moving and try to cover your head.
Do not under any circumstances disturb or provoke an active hornet's nest.
4
Do Asian hornets sting?
Asian hornets are not generally aggressive but are known to be highly protective over their nests.
Health and wellness expert Jay Riggs from Zeal CBB said: “If you’re stung by a regular hornet, their sting generally causes mild symptoms but can be a lot more uncomfortable and more swollen than a bee’s sting.
"But getting stung by an Asian hornet will hurt a lot more, particularly as the toxicity is greater than most stinging insects.
"Its sting can be described as a feeling similar to being stabbed by a red-hot needle.
"Where the needle punctures the skin, it can swell severely and ache for a few days.
"They are likely to sting when they feel threatened and a single Asian hornet can sting once or multiple times."
4
Can Asian hornets kill you?
Asian hornets contain a neurotoxin that can kill in just a single sting if you are allergic to their venom.
The sting also holds eight chemicals that can cause an allergic shock in humans.
In France, six people have died from anaphylactic shock after being stung.
What should you do if you see an Asian hornet?
If you think you have seen an Asian hornet, you must notify the Great British Non Native Species Secretariat (NNSS) immediately.
You can do this by reporting sightings on the Asian Hornet Watch App, which is available for Android and iPhone mobile phones.
Sightings should be sent with a photograph and location.
What happens if you get stung by an Asian hornet?
Asian Hornets' sting will feel more painful than a regular hornets sting.
Wildlife expert Jay Riggs from Zeal CBB said: “If you’re stung from a regular hornet, their sting generally causes mild symptoms, but can be a lot more uncomfortable and more swollen than a bee’s sting.
"But getting stung by an Asian hornet will hurt a lot more, particularly as the toxicity is greater than most stinging insects.
"Its sting can be described as a feeling similar to being stabbed by a red-hot needle.
"Where the needle punctures the skin, it can swell severely and ache for a few days."
How do you tell if it's an Asian hornet?
1. Smaller than native hornets.
2. Orange head.
3. Abdomen almost entirely dark, with fine yellow stripes and a yellow or orange 4th segment near the base.
4. Black or brown thorax.
5, Legs with yellow tips.