Satsuma-sized Asian hornet nest found in shed

It is estimated the queen built the nest in early April, officials said

A primary Asian hornet nest has been found in Guernsey for the first time this year, the States has said.

Officials said the nest, which was the size of a satsuma, was found on Saturday.

It was spotted by a Castel resident who saw a queen Asian hornet flying in and out of their outbuilding near La Mare de Carteret, they said.

The nest contained a single comb, 13 eggs and seven small larvae.

The nest was removed by the island's Asian Hornet Team within an hour of it being reported.

It is estimated the queen started to build the nest in early April.

Its discovery comes after two queens were recently captured in Vale.

The nest was found on the inside beams of a garden shed

Francis Russel, the Asian hornet strategy coordinator, encouraged islanders to check their sheds and outbuildings for signs of the insect.

He said it was "fortunate" the nest was found and "urgently" reported.

"This is the first primary nest found on the island this year and it tells us that queen hornets have wasted no time in setting up nests where they have found a suitable location," he said.

"We know that after a few weeks the queen and newly hatched workers will leave the primary nest to construct a larger secondary nest.

"Typically in the treetops not far away but these are a lot more difficult to deal with."

Asian hornets feed on bees and wasps, which can damage biodiversity.

Thirty-eight Asian hornet queens were caught during the island-wide spring trapping last year.