Recent observations of Asian hornets are sounding alarm bells regarding potential long-term harm to the bee populations in the United Kingdom. These invasive hornets have already wreaked

havoc across mainland Europe and are poised to establish a foothold in the UK, as nests have been discovered in East Sussex, Kent, Devon, and Dorset.

The Asian hornets have a voracious appetite for native bees and wasps, posing a significant threat to biodiversity in the region. This warning coincides with the release of a global report by leading scientists highlighting the dire consequences of invasive species on ecosystems worldwide. According to the report, these alien invaders contribute to 60% of animal and plant extinctions and inflict economic costs exceeding £300 billion ($380 billion) annually across the globe.

Invasive species, like the Asian hornet, are organisms transported by humans to regions where they wouldn't naturally exist, causing imbalances in local ecosystems. They are among the primary drivers of biodiversity loss, and this problem is expected to worsen over time.

Key findings from the report include:

Invasive species pose significant threats to nature, food security, and human health.

Invasive alien species are responsible for 60% of global extinctions.

Economic costs associated with invasive species are escalating, reaching $423 billion (£336 billion) in 2019.

Solutions to combat invasive species include implementing stringent border and import controls.

In Folkestone, Kent, an area heavily affected by Asian hornets, beekeeper Simon Spratley is witnessing the devastation these predators are causing to his bee colonies. He has lost ten out of seventeen hives in rapid succession, and he emphasizes that these insects are likely to establish a permanent presence in the UK, preying primarily on honey bees, thereby disrupting beekeeping activities and diminishing biodiversity in the Kent area and beyond.

During a visit to his apiary, numerous Asian hornets that had been captured that day were observed.

Approximately 20 miles to the north, near Ashford, a team of experts from the National Bee Unit, a division of the Animal and Plant Health Agency responsible for addressing this issue, were on a mission to locate and eliminate a hornet's nest following a confirmed identification in the vicinity.

Bee inspector Peter Davies points out that this time of year is when Asian hornets are most likely to be spotted, potentially in gardens as they feed on fruit. He encourages the public to take photographs, use the Asian hornet app for comparison, and promptly report any sightings.

While the Department for the Environment assures that the Asian hornet does not pose a greater risk to human health than other wasps or hornets, it can inflict damage on honey bee colonies and other beneficial insects. The public is strongly advised to remain vigilant and report any sightings without attempting to approach or disturb a nest.

Chief Plant and Bee Health Officer Nicola Spence emphasized the importance of early reporting, stating, "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." Photo by Gilles San Martin from Namur, Belgium, Wikimedia commons.