Battle plan to fight invasion of the deadly Asian hornet

THERE'S a nervous buzz in government circles as experts work hard to tackle an anticipated invasion of deadly Asian hornets.

- Tony Whitfield

Last year, a record 72 nests were eradicated a massive surge on the four in one year the National Bee Unit had dealt with since starting work in 2016.

The apex predator, which feeds off pollinating insects, has become endemic in France, Spain and central Europe since it was accidentally introduced to the Dordogne in 2004.

So far the hornets have staged incursions from across the Channel, brought in by freight, tourist cars, or the wind.

The NBU "has a fine-tuned response" which can frequently find "a nest within a day of an initial sighting being reported".