Fewer queen Asian hornets in Jersey, expert says

An expert said 189 queen Asian hornets were found in Jersey this time last year

Fewer queen Asian hornets have been captured in Jersey this year, an expert said.

Alastair Christie, Jersey's Asian hornet co-ordinator, said the number of "spring queens" captured on the island so far in 2024 was 97.

He said: "We were on 189 this time last year.

"So, I have to take that as a positive bit of news that we are catching fewer queens."

'Nasty sting'

Mr Christie said the invasive species, which can decimate bee populations, was not supposed to be in the Channel Islands.

"They come originally from China," he said.

Mr Christie said Asian hornets had an impact on the island's pollinators and packed a "nasty sting".

"We really don't want numbers accelerating beyond control," he said.

Mr Christie said a total of 339 Asian hornet nests were destroyed in Jersey in 2023 - 267 more than the UK.

He said nest numbers on the island were "slightly up" in comparison with last year.

Mr Christie said experts were not certain as to why fewer queens have been captured in 2024.

He said: "A number of theories include that we had a very damp winter; they won't have liked that.

"Also, we exerted control upon them last year in removing as many nests as possible before they could breed."

He also said less easterly winds may have been a contributor.

"We know from hornets appearing in traps on the north east coast of Jersey that easterly winds are a factor," he said.

"That would have brought more hornets over from France to Jersey.

"It's a positive thing that's going on at the moment."

Mr Christie has urged anybody who spotted a hornet to report the sighting.