Warning as nests of Asian hornets found in residential garden in Dibden Purlieu

NEW Forest residents are being warned to keep their eyes open for Asian hornets after nests were found in a residential garden in Dibden Purlieu.

Two nests belonging to the non-native predator – which eats honey bees, wasps and other insects – were reported to authorities through the dedicated government app.

Bee keeper Marcus Collings, who is a member of the Asian Hornet Action Team which help track the pests alongside the National Bee Unit (NBU), told the A&T it was not known how the species had arrived in the area.

One theory, he said, was a mating queen had arrived after unknowingly hitching a lift on a boat which arrived in Hythe.

The species sets up a primary nest close to the ground or in a bush, he explained, before creating a second higher in a tree.

The nest will grow rapidly as the mating queen lays “lots and lots” of eggs, he added.

The NBU says so far this year there have been 37 Asian hornet nests found in 30 spots across the UK.

Warning residents to be vigilant Marcus explained: “They will defend their nests vigorously so people should keep well clear.

“These nests were found in a residential garden but in the New Forest there are large enclosures where they could be – we need to make sure the public have their eyes open.

“Ivy is coming in to bloom at the moment and has a high nectar count, and they will also be drawn to fruit plants.”

Slightly smaller than native European hornets, Asian hornets are black or dark brown with a distinctive yellow band at the rear, bright yellow tips to the legs, a yellow ‘belt’ at the waist and a black head with an orange or yellow face.

European hornets have markings similar to wasps on their abdomen, with dark-coloured legs.

Fears have been raised that the insect invaders will eventually cause ‘catastrophic’ damage to UK bee populations.

While the hornet poses no greater risk to human health than any other wasp or hornet, it can cause huge damage to bee colonies and other insects.

While 2022 saw just two sightings reported in the entire year, the hornet’s appearance has been recorded almost weekly throughout this summer.

In April they were found in an undisclosed location in Dorset.

Defra’s chief plant and bee health officer Nicola Spence said: “By ensuring we are alerted to possible sightings as early as possible, we can take swift and effective action to stamp out the threat posed by Asian hornets.

“While the Asian hornet poses no greater risk to human health than other wasps or hornets, they can cause damage to honey bee colonies and other beneficial insects.

“Please continue to look out for any Asian hornets and if you think you’ve spotted one, report your sighting through the Asian hornet app or online.”

Anyone who thinks they have spotted an Asian hornet should try to take a photograph and upload it to the Asian Hornet Watch app, which is free at Apple and Android apps stores.

Sightings can also be reported to the National Bee Unit on 0300 303 0094.