Britain has been told to be on alert for Asian hornets.
Here, we show you what to look for, how poisonous they can be, and what to do if you find one.
What are Asian hornets?
Asian hornets, which have the Latin name Vespa velutina, are large insects that prey on smaller creatures.
They have a direct impact on bee colonies, killing them to feed their own brood.
A single wasp can kill up to 40 bees per minute due to its large jaws.
The wasp generally home to temperate and tropical regions of East Asia, South Asia, mainland Southeast Asia, and parts of the Russian Far East.
Experts are predicting a plague of killer bugs that will sweep the country in 2024.
They were seen here just twice in 2022, but that number increased to 78 times in 2023.
As of May 2024, eight have been reported in the UK so far this year.
The South East – and Kent in particular – is on the frontline of the battle to combat invasive species.
The British Beekeepers Association confirmed that an Asian hornet was found in a shed in Ash, near Sandwich, in March 2024.
Experts are now warning Brits about a wasp invasion.
Scientists warn that nests have already been found in East Sussex, Kent, Devon and Dorset.
They are worried that climate change will make conditions in Britain favorable for wasps.
Dr. Gavin Broad from the Natural History Museum told BBC: “We are transporting all kinds of plants and animals – even fungi – out of their native ranges, to places where the local environment has not evolved along with them, so they cause many threats to food security, our animals and plants natives.
The economic cost of invasive species has risen to more than £300 billion per year worldwide.
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How big are Asian hornets and what do they look like?
Asian hornets are similar to native European hornets, but with darker coloring.
Queens grow up to 3 cm in length and workers up to 2.5 cm.
Their bodies are dark brown or black and bordered by a yellow stripe, although they have a stripe on their abdomen.
Its legs are brown with yellow tips and it has an orange face.
How to identify an Asian hornet nest
The Asian hornet is a species that flies during the day and, unlike the European hornet, ceases its activity at dusk.
It nests in tall trees in urban and rural areas, and may also nest in sheds, garages, under decks or in holes in walls or the ground.
Disturbing a wasp nest can be extremely dangerous, as up to 700 insects will join together in an attack on any perceived threat.
Do not run. They can fly faster than you and are intrigued by moving targets and consider making a taunt.
Squat on the floor, stop moving and try to cover your head.
Do not under any circumstances disturb or provoke an active wasp nest.
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Do Asian hornets sting?
Asian hornets are generally not aggressive, but they are known to be highly protective of their nests.
Health and wellness expert Jay Riggs of CBB Zeal said: “If you are stung by a regular wasp, the sting usually causes mild symptoms, but can be much more uncomfortable and swollen than a bee sting.
“But being stung by an Asian hornet will hurt a lot more, especially since the toxicity is greater than that of most stinging insects.
“Its sting can be described as a sensation similar to being stabbed by a red-hot needle.
“Where the needle pierces the skin, it can swell a lot and hurt for a few days.
“They are likely to sting when they feel threatened, and a single Asian hornet may sting once or multiple times.”
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Can Asian hornets kill you?
Asian hornets contain a neurotoxin that can kill with just one sting if you are allergic to the venom.
The sting also contains eight chemicals that can cause allergic shock in humans.
In France, six people died of anaphylactic shock after being stung.
What should you do if you see an Asian hornet?
If you think you have seen an Asian hornet, you should immediately notify the Great British Non Native Species Secretariat (NNSS).
You can do this by reporting sightings on the Asian Hornet Watch app, which is available for Android and iPhone phones.
Sightings must be sent with a photo and location.
What happens if you get stung by an Asian hornet?
The Asian wasp sting will be more painful than a regular wasp sting.
Wildlife expert Jay Riggs, from Zeal CBB, said: “If you are stung by a common wasp, the sting usually causes mild symptoms but can be much more uncomfortable and more swollen than a bee sting.
“But being stung by an Asian hornet will hurt a lot more, especially since the toxicity is greater than that of most stinging insects.
“Its sting can be described as a sensation similar to being stabbed by a red-hot needle.
“Where the needle pierces the skin, it can swell a lot and be painful for a few days.”
How do you know if it’s an Asian hornet?
1. Smaller than native wasps.
2. Orange head.
3. Abdomen almost completely dark, with thin yellow stripes and a 4th yellow or orange segment near the base.
4. Black or brown chest.
5, Legs with yellow tips.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
