Public urged to report Asian hornet sightings

Asian hornet sightings increased in 2023

South West Water is encouraging members of the public to keep an eye out for Asian hornets and report any suspected sightings as part of Asian hornet week.

The Asian hornet is an invasive non-native species first discovered in the UK in 2016, South West Water said.

It added that Asian hornets feed on native bees and a range of other pollinators. Sightings increased in 2023 and September was the peak time to see them.

Kate Hills, Biosecurity and Invasive Species Manager, said: "The Asian hornet is a major threat to our native insects so it’s really important that we play a part to monitor and manage the species."

She added: "There are also health and safety concerns as Asian hornets are territorial and more aggressive than our native hornets so we need to make sure any nests are found and disposed of quickly."

Ms Hills said this was why members of the public were being encouraged to download the Asian Hornet Watch app where they can record any sightings.

Once a positive report is found, the water firm said a nest would be tracked down and humanely disposed of by a special team funded by the government.