'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.

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

Asian hornets are a notifiable species within the UK, and the NBU has been tasked with the destruction of nests.

But the British Pest Control Association is attempting to prevent them becoming established, and feels a wider range of pest control experts will be needed in the future.