People are being urged to report Asian hornet sightings this summer as environmental groups warn of a possible increase in harm from non-native invasive species.
The UK’s director of plant health, Nicola Spence, urged beekeepers and the general public to report wasp sightings after record numbers were spotted in the country last year.
Asian hornets do not pose a greater risk to human health than native hornets, but they do threaten honey bees and pollinating insects.
Insects can eat up to 50 bees a day and are almost certainly “raising and living in the UK”, warned Paul Hetherington, director of communications and engagement at the charity Buglife, in March.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) said the species is not yet established in the UK, but early capture is key to eradication efforts.
It comes as Wildlife and Countryside Link (WCL), which represents 83 environmental organisations, warns that recent flooding and rising temperatures have increased the risk of problem species already existing in the UK growing and spreading.
These include Japanese knotweed, which can cause structural damage, giant hogweed, with sap that can cause skin burns, and Himalayan balsam, which outcompetes native species and increases flood risks.
WCL said volatile conditions also increased the risk of new species establishing themselves in the UK, such as the red imported ant, Chinese mitten crab and Chinese mystery snail, which are making their way across Europe.
The coalition is calling for the annual biosecurity budget for invasive species to triple to £3 million, with a further £3 million to fund a permanent dedicated Invasive Species Inspectorate.
Richard Benwell, chief executive of WCL, said: “Invasive species are already one of the biggest threats to the UK environment, from choking waterways to outnumbering native species.
“They also cause billions of pounds of damage a year to homes and businesses, and even pose risks to human health.
The River Trust, Plantlife and Buglife are among the groups in the coalition, which is calling for government action to mark Non-Native Invasive Species Week from Monday.
“Investing in a fully funded inspection and strong invasive species strategy could help halt nature’s decline and create a more resilient economy,” said Benwell.
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Himalayan balsam plants, which outcompete native species and increase flood risks. Photo: PA
DEFRA said the public can report any sightings of Asian hornets, which have very dark bodies, a broad orange stripe across the abdomen section and yellow leg ends, via the Asian Hornet Watch app.
It added that the National Bee Unit is ready to respond quickly and effectively to any possible new sightings after responding to all credible reports last year and destroying 72 nests in 56 locations – mainly in Kent.
Giant hogweed plants contain sap that can cause skin burns. Photo: PA
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A DEFRA spokesperson said: “Invasive species threaten our native biodiversity and cost the economy billions every year, which is why we support the Invasive Species Inspectorate in carrying out its role in protecting the country’s biosecurity. .
“Through our Non-Native Invasive Species Strategy, we remain committed to going even further to detect, protect and eradicate the threats they pose, while increasing coordination and cooperation with the public, land managers and businesses to achieve this.”
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