Scientists warn that the UK could face its worst year for Asian hornets, noting a significant rise in sightings. The National Bee Unit recorded 73 credible sightings, a notable increase from 28 the previous year. Experts found 28 nests, each capable of housing up to 3,000 hornets, which can severely impact native pollinators like honeybees. The species' numbers have reached unprecedented levels, prompting the Liberal Democrats to demand a task force for government intervention to address the situation.
This year could be the worst ever for Asian hornets in the UK, scientists are warning, after a rise in sightings of the invasive insect. The National Bee Unit says there were 73 credible sightings up to the end of last month, more than double the 28 recorded in the same period last year.
Experts from the unit have also found 28 nests so far this year. One nest can house up to 3,000 of the insects. Asian hornets, also known as yellow-legged hornets, can badly harm native pollinator insects, including honeybees, threatening food security and ecosystems, ecologists say.
The species was sighted in record numbers in the UK in 2023, and last September UK experts saw evidence for the first time of the queens over-wintering. In May this year, their numbers were described as unprecedented.
The Liberal Democrats have accused the government of not taking the issue seriously enough and are calling for a task force to deal with the problem.
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