'Time for real pest experts to tackle our Asian hornet invasion'

MINISTERS have been urged to “harness” the skills of the pest control industry and allow them to deal with the growing Asian hornet problem.

- By Jaymi McCann

Also known as the yellow-legged hornet, the invasive species is highly aggressive and a significant threat to native insects such as honeybees.

They have gained a foothold in Europe and a growing number have been spotted across the UK, from Kent to Lancashire.

No confirmed sightings have been officially recorded in Scotland, although a “credible” sighting of one of the dreaded insects was made in Motherwell back in 2017.

So far this year 462 credible yellow-legged hornet sightings have been reported, with 118 nests found, according to the National Bee Unit.

And the authorities have already held two mock exercises this year on how to handle an incursion north of the Border.