BUG BEAR
Urgent warning over killer Asian hornets in Britain after insects spotted in seaside town – how to keep safe
EXPERTS have issued an urgent warning after 'killer' Asian hornets were spotted in a seaside town.
The dangerous pests have already stung ten people on the Channel Islands last week and have now been seen in Plymouth in Devon.
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The sighting sparked a fresh warning for the public to be "on guard" amid fears of an invasion.
Asian hornets are the largest of their species in the world, and were once dubbed "murder hornets" from the aggressive attacks they carry out on other hives, wiping them out in hours.
They decapitate other bees, wasps, and hornets and then use the bodies to feed their young.
For larger targets, the huge hornets deploy their potent venomous stinger, which is equivalent to that of a venomous snake and has been likened by victims to being stabbed by a hot metal prong.
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If the nests aren't destroyed fast, they could start spreading across the UK, according to experts.
DEFRA warned today that more of the alien bugs have turned up on mainland Britain, in Plymouth and in Kent, fuelling fears they are spreading just as the summer holidays begin.
It is understood one was found attacking bees around a solar wax extractor.
Ten people in Jersey in the Channel Islands sought urgent medical treatment after being attacked by the killer bugs last week.
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Defra's Chief Plant and Bee Health Officer Nicola Spence said: "By ensuring we are alerted to possible sightings as early as possible, we can take swift and effective action to stamp out the threat posed by Asian hornets.
"That's why we are working at speed to locate and investigate any nests.
"While the Asian hornet poses no greater risk to human health than other wasps or hornets, they can cause damage to honey bee colonies and other beneficial insects.
"Please continue to look out for any Asian hornets and if you think you've spotted one, report your sighting through the Asian hornet app or online.
"Asian hornet nests will be smaller at this time in the year but we are still asking people to be vigilant."
Posters have now been placed across the area urging the public to check boats and vehicles on their return from trips abroad.
The sighting has also prompted several warnings on social media.
Ashgrove Farm, in Tavistock, posted: "If you have bees in Plymouth, please check your hives.
"If you have a garden, land, hedgerows, outbuildings, trees, caravans, trailers, or sheltered storage, please check for nests.
"The Asian Hornet can wipe out a colony of bees, in a matter of hours, as they feed on the live bees and pupae inside the hive.
"If you have recently returned from a holiday, via the ferry, please check under your trailers and caravans for nests.
"Please also check for nests when out walking your dog, or while looking up in the trees in parks and woodland areas.
"If you own a boat which is moored in the Tamar, or has been recently craned out, please check it for nests.
"Do not try to destroy any nest, but notify Plymouth Branch - Devon Beekeepers' Association on Facebook, or @plymouthbeekeepers on Instagram. You can also message us direct, or post pictures of any suspected sightings here.
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"A sting from an Asian Hornet is a lot worse than a sting from a wasp or bee, so do not put yourself in harm, or take any risks.
"They will not sting you, unless provoked, so do not worry or panic."
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