Hunt on for Asian hornets as autumn reveals nests

Kent's gardeners and walkers are being recruited to help track down invasive Asian hornets.

This year has been the second worst on record for numbers, with the majority of sightings in the South East.

As the last of the autumn leaves fall, nests hidden by greenery in the summer can now be spotted by gardeners or walkers and reported to the National Bee Unit (NBU).

The government has tasked the NBU with monitoring the species, which can eat up to 50 honeybees a day, so their nests can be removed and destroyed.

Asian hornets were first reported in the UK in 2016, with 72 nests discovered in 2023.

Although only 19 nests have been destroyed so far this year, the British Beekeeper’s Association’s (BBKA) Asian Hornet Teams, which support the NBU, said the problem has not gone away.

Sue Knights, Asian hornet coordinator for Kent Beekeepers’ Association, said: “Now is a crucial time for spotting Yellow-Legged Asian Hornet nests, as the falling leaves from the trees could reveal nests that were otherwise hidden.

"It is vital that we know where these nests are located, so that we can keep an eye on the area for any queen hornets emerging from hibernation in the spring.

"We really need everyone in the community to stay vigilant over the coming months."

Tony Warren, Asian Hornet Team coordinator for the Gravesend branch and founder of Asian Hornet Alert, said there had been a "significant reduction" in nests found and destroyed this year.

"But the threat remains," he added.

"There will be nests out there that have not been seen and these will have gone full circle, releasing queens for next year.

"The challenge now is to find these nests... they will now be far more visible as the leaves are dropping."

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