Asian hornet warning issued after Kent sighting

Mr Newton is urging people to keep an eye out for Asian hornets

A beekeeper has warned that Asian hornets pose a "severe threat to pollinators" after a sighting of the invasive non-native species in Kent.

Julian Newton said the hornets were a threat to all pollinators "not just honey bees".

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) said it had prioritised tackling "the record number" of Asian hornets in the UK - including working with local beekeeping groups to increase vigilance and awareness.

The British Beekeepers Association confirmed an Asian hornet was found in a potting shed in Ash, near Sandwich, on 11 March.

Mr Newton said the "biggest identifier" of an Asian hornet was their yellow legs

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

Mr Newton, who is part of the Laddingford Beekeepers Association and a coordinator of the Asian Hornet Action Team, said they pose a "huge threat" to bees.

"One nest can destroy an entire beehive in a day," he said.

He is urging the public to keep an eye out for Asian hornets and to report any sightings on the Asian Hornet Watch app.

He said Asian hornets "are about 25mm long, they’ve got a black head with a orange face, a black thorax and their abdomen usually has a big solid yellow stripe".

The keeper added the "biggest identifier" of an Asian hornet was their yellow legs.

APHA said it "encourages" sightings to be reported using the Asian Hornet Watch app and in 2023 the National Bee Unit attended every reported case - destroying all nests found.

The official advice is to take care not to approach or disturb a nest.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said Asian hornets are not generally aggressive towards people, "but an exception to this is when they perceive a threat to their nest".