Victory in struggle in opposition to Asian Hornets as ‘Dad’s Army’ sees queen numbers plummet
Buzz off! The perpetual battle against Asian Hornets has reached a significant milestone thanks to determined locals.
Concerns that the invasive insects – which feed on bees and could wreak havoc on the UK’s insect population – could use the Channel Islands as a “launching pad to dig trenches in mainland Britain” have spiralled over recent years.
First introduced into Europe in 2004, Asian Hornets (Vespa Velutina) have since spread across France, Portugal and Italy. In 2016, the pesky creatures were found in Jersey. They have managed to rapidly multiply and threaten bee colonies – an essential part of our ecosystem that helps sustain the availability and diversity of our fresh produce.
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Recent sightings of the black and yellow bug have also been confirmed on the coastline around Kent.
(Image: APHA / Crown Copyright / SWNS)
However, after eight years of a ‘Dad’s Army’ style war on Britain’s frontline, the number of queens in Jersey has finally plummeted.
Recent data shows that by 30 May of this year, a total of 153 queens had been spotted – compared to more than 250 by the same date in 2023.
While nest numbers in Jersey are relatively consistent at around 20, it is thought the decline in queens could mean fewer nests are created in Jersey later this year.
Jersey Asian Hornet Group, which has around 150 volunteers and – welcomed the statistics – as well as a boosted awareness of its efforts.
(Image: John de Cateret / SWNS)
Founding member of the group John De Carteret dubbed the fall in queens as “considerable” and attributed it to changing winds from Normandy that have “typically brought Asian hornets across.”
He said: “We’ve also had quite a wet winter here, and that may be an additional factor.”
Local residents who check traps daily were also an integral part of the victory. “Even though eradication is impossible, it gives us some element of control,” John added. It is thought there is now a network of more than 500 traps across the island – which has helped control the spread.
Whilst Asian hornets pose no greater threat to human health than wasps or European hornets, they can become extremely aggressive if provoked and can sting. This can cause a serious reaction medically known as anaphylaxis.
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