MULTIPLE possible sightings of Asian hornets in the Bromsgrove area has local beekeepers worried and on the hunt.
Jas Payne, a local beekeeper and the Asian hornet action team coordinator for North East Worcestershire, has been investigating two potential sightings of the invasive species in Belbroughton and Clent.
Asian hornets are a big cause for concern because of the risks posed to native bee colonies, which they kill, dismember and eat.
Beekeepers are particularly concerned due to the largest ever number of Asian hornet sightings in the UK this year – so far over 60 nests have been found and destroyed – mostly on the south coast.
Asian hornet action team coordinators, organised by the British Beekeepers Association, are notified of any reported sightings in their patch and are responsible for monitoring their area, liaising with the community and coordinating other beekeepers in efforts to find Asian hornets and their nests.
Jas was first notified when a beekeeper had reported a possible sighting at Belbroughton’s Scarecrow Festival (September 23 and 24).
A second unconfirmed sighting was reported in Clent and Jas is now urging as many people as possible to download the Asian Hornet App, familiarise themselves with what the hornets look like and set up their own monitoring station.
A monitoring station consists of either a takeaway box with a cloth soaked in fruit juice and sugar or a large juice bottle with a cloth from top to bottom that acts as a wick.
An example of a monitoring station which can help confirm Asian hornet sightings. s
The monitoring stations allow insects to come and go freely, visitors will be unharmed but can be observed and photographed whilst feeding.
Jas says thankfully most monitoring stations have recorded only European hornet sightings, which are native to the UK and pose little risk to bee populations.
Jas told the Observer: “It’s looking unlikely that we’ve got them here as close monitoring all week has given no new leads, but it’s been a worrying week.
“The response from Belbroughton and Clent has been fantastic, and I can’t thank them enough for all their help.
“If Asian hornets aren’t in our area yet, it’ll only be a matter of time, so we need add many people as possible to download the Asian Hornet App and look out for them.
“Each nest that remains undiscovered has the potential to send out hundreds of new queens that will look to hibernate, and establish their own nests in the spring.
“We can’t afford to be complacent.”
