Beekeepers on the Isle of Wight are sounding the alarm about the impending arrival of Asian hornets, an invasive species that poses a significant threat to local ecosystems. The Isle of Wight Asian Hornet Watch has raised concerns over the potential devastation these hornets could cause to European native pollinators and other insects.
No Sightings Yet, But a Looming Threat
As of now, there have been no confirmed sightings of Asian hornets on the Island, but experts warn that it’s only a matter of time before they arrive. Two Asian hornets were recently found in Southampton, as reported by the National Bee Unit, further fueling concerns.
Beekeepers Seek Solutions
To address the looming threat, four beekeepers from the Isle of Wight embarked on a six-day mission to Jersey to learn about identification, marking, and tracking methods. During their trip, they gained insights into the challenges of finding and eradicating nests. They also emphasized the importance of community involvement in the eradication efforts.
“We were moved by the generosity of the Jersey government and the volunteers on the Asian Hornet Team, who freely offered their expertise, strategies, and experiences in dealing with this invasive pest,” the beekeepers stated.
Impact on Various Industries
The Asian hornet’s impact is being felt across Europe, affecting industries such as bee farming, wine production, fruit growing, arboriculture, and fisheries. Many are being compelled to adjust their practices to mitigate the threat.
What to Do If You Spot an Asian Hornet
Islanders are urged to report any sightings of Asian hornets by emailing alertnonnative@ceh.ac.uk or using the Asian Hornet Watch app. Trained teams will then work to track and eradicate any nests discovered. A single nest can produce between 150 to 500 queens, which can lead to the establishment of multiple nests in the spring if they survive the winter.
Identifying Asian Hornets
Asian hornets are distinguishable by a single yellow band, an orange face, and yellow-tipped legs.
Community Involvement and Support
Isle of Wight Asian Hornet Watch is actively seeking venues to host awareness workshops and sponsors to assist with the cost of educational materials and monitoring stations. The first Asian hornet awareness workshop is scheduled for Sunday, October 15, at the Isle of Wight Community Centre in Cowes.
As the Island prepares for the imminent arrival of Asian hornets, community vigilance and cooperation are seen as crucial in protecting local ecosystems and industries.
