Asian hornet sightings spark fears of Norfolk invasion

Since April 10, sightings of Asian hornets – a non-native predator that eats honeybees - have been reported in Northumberland, Dorset and Kent.

But the insects have been seen as nearby as Felixstowe in Suffolk in recent times.

Asian hornets pose a serious threat to British bees and the British Pest Control Association (BPCA) has said any sightings should be immediately reported and dealt with by professionals.

Natalie Bungay, BPCA technical manager, said: "It is a concern that we have had three sightings of Asian hornets already this year as they are a non-native invasive predator of our honeybee species and could have a major impact on our wildlife.

The BPCA has issued a comparison graphic for identifying Asian hornets (Image: BPCA)

"A sting from an Asian hornet will be painful and may result in anaphylaxis which can be life-threatening."

Slightly smaller than native European hornets, Asian hornets are black or dark brown with a distinctive yellow band at the rear.  

They also have bright yellow tips to the legs, a yellow 'belt' at the waist, with an orange or yellow face.

European hornets have markings similar to a wasp on their abdomen, with dark-coloured legs.

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The Asian hornet is the smaller cousin to the Asian giant hornet which is known to ravage native populations - but the BPCA has said the latter is yet to be spotted in the UK. 

Andrew Dellbridge, a pest controller with 35 years of experience, said: "Trying to contain Asian hornets will be very difficult once they get here - there's not much we can do to stop a queen from coming to Norfolk.

"They would be very unpleasant to come up against and their ability to decimate a native beehive is considerable.

"So if you think you have seen an Asian hornet, back away from it very slowly, document it, and contact authorities immediately."