Stirring up a hornets' nest for our bees

Nature lovers urged to take photos of suspected sightings

- BY DANNY DE VAAL

AGGRESSIVE Asian hornets could "wreak havoc" on Ireland's bee population, it has emerged.

The stark warning from the Irish Beekeepers' Association comes after one was discovered in Co Cork.

On Wednesday, the National Parks and Wildlife Service said the discovery was a "biosecurity alert for Ireland".

The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage revealed that even a single nest can devastate honeybee populations."

But it stressed the discovery does not pose a significant public health risk.

In a statement, it said: "The sighting has triggered a Government-led response with the establishment of a new taskforce."

The Irish Beekeepers' Association said the Asian hornet's preferred food is honey bees. Colette O'Connor, spokeswoman for the association, said they are "very, very concerned."

Speaking on RTE yesterday, she said: "This insect is a carnivore. It's an apex predator. It has wreaked havoc in Europe."