10 September 2018

Two more sites where an Asian Hornet has been found and confirmed emerged today. Liskeard in Cornwall and the city of Hull.

Surveillance activity at both sites is underway. 

The National Bee Unit has called for the public to report any suspected Asian Hornets after two further confirmed sightings. At this stage, there is no evidence to suggest that the Cornwall and Hull sightings are linked. 

You can find a map of all the Asian Hornet incursions here: 

https://www.bbka.org.uk/asian-hornet-map

The Asian Hornet is smaller than our native hornet and poses no greater risk to human health than bee. Although like all wasps they can repeat sting. 

However, they do pose a risk to honeybees and work is already underway to identify any nests in the Liskeard and Hull areas, which includes deploying bee inspectors to visit local beekeepers and setting up monitoring traps. They are monitoring a 1-2km radius around both sitings. 

The hornets in Fowey were first discovered earlier in September and the National Bee Unit moved swiftly to find the nest and remove it. 

https://www.bbka.org.uk/news/asian-hornet-nest-in-fowey-found-destroyed 

https://www.bbka.org.uk/news/asian-hornet-trapped-in-fowey

During September, the number of hornets in a nest can reach a peak and this will increase the chances of seeing an insect. 

Nicola Spence, Defra Deputy Director for Plant and Bee Health said:

"These sightings in Liskeard and Hull underline the need to remain vigilant. I want to encourage people to look our for any Asian Hornet nests and if you think you've spotted one, please report your sighting through the Asian Hornet app or online."

If you suspect you have seen an Asian Hornet you can report this using the iPhone and Android app 'Asian Hornet Watch' or by emailing 

[email protected] 

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