How 'spy' trackers are taking sting out of killers' invasion

WILDLIFE experts have turned to spy tactics in a battle to save Britain's honeybees from Asian hornets.

- By Steph Spyro Environment Editor

Specially trained staff have been strapping miniature trackers on to the invasive insects, also known as the yellow-legged hornet.

This has drastically reduced the time and manpower needed to trace nests that need to be destroyed.

There have been at least 104 sightings so far this year, with at least 54 nests discovered.

Asian hornets measure 1in to 1.5in long and are black with an orange stripe on the fourth segment of the abdomen, with yellow legs.

Tracy Wilson, of the Animal and Plant Health Agency, which is using the trackers, said: "We're trying to keep out pests and diseases which are not naturally found in this country, and this is another example of that."

Asian hornets are native to South East Asia and reach the UK via accidental importation in goods coming into the country.