Fresh warning of invasive hornets as sightings rise

PEOPLE across the UK are once again being urged to report sightings of Asian hornets.

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Asian hornets, also known as yellow-legged hornets, are highly aggressive predators which pose a significant threat to honey bees and other pollinators in the UK.

Their numbers rose rapidly in 2023, when more of them were detected in the UK than in the previous six years combined.

The British Beekeepers Association has warned of the threat, with a post on their website stating: “It is crucial that all possible sightings are reported so experts can take quick and effective action to eradicate yellow-legged Asian Hornets.”

The first Asian Hornet in the UK was discovered in 2016.