Concerns are mounting in the United Kingdom over the threat posed by invasive Asian hornets to native bee populations, which are already facing significant declines. The British Association for Shooting and Conservation is spearheading efforts to locate and remove Asian hornet nests to protect local pollinators.

Asian hornets are considered particularly dangerous to western honeybees, which have not evolved natural defenses against these predators. The hornets’ presence often causes honeybees to become alarmed and refuse to leave their hives, interrupting the queen’s egg-laying and ultimately causing colony collapse. As a result, the impact on honey production and the health of bee populations is severe.

To date, 2024 has seen 71 credible sightings of Asian hornets across the UK, resulting in the destruction of more than 20 nests. Experts warn that even a single hornet colony can produce up to 350 new queens capable of establishing new nests, enabling rapid population expansion. This scenario has unfolded dramatically in France, where an estimated 500,000 Asian hornet nests have been recorded, significantly affecting honey production and increasing the workload for beekeepers.

Amid these challenges, innovation is underway. John, a beekeeper involved in testing a device called The Hornet Zapper, has trialed it both at his Durham City Honey hives and in France. The device, currently awaiting patent approval, shows early promise as a tool in controlling hornet populations. John is actively seeking investors and collaborations with manufacturers and marketers to advance the product.

The UK is home to around 250 bee species, and globally, there are approximately 20,000 species, but experts highlight that their numbers are declining at unprecedented rates. Despite this, conservationists remain optimistic that coordinated action can still halt or slow the decline.

Public participation is being encouraged as a crucial component in managing the threat. Michael, a spokesperson for the conservation effort, urges people to report any Asian hornet sightings through the free Asian Hornet Watch app or by emailing photographs to alertnonnative@ceh.ac.uk. Additionally, Dr. Ellen Rotheray, a conservation biology lecturer at the University of Sussex, suggests that allowing parts of gardens to grow wild can provide essential shelter for bees and other beneficial insects, enhancing habitat resilience.

With the combined efforts of organizations, researchers, and the public, the race to protect Britain’s pollinators continues amid the dual pressures of invasive predators and environmental change.