The Asian Hornet Threat

NBKA readiness and actions

There have been over 100 verified encounters in England with these non-native insects which prey on many native insect species and can decimate strong bee colonies in days without protective measures. They are already established in the Channel Islands. Please make yourself aware of their appearance and stay alert to the possibility they may appear in our area at any time.

Please check your identification before reporting a sighting:

While Gloucestershire appears to be out of the immediate area of invasion who knows how far the queens may travel this year.  We need to be prepared.  There are many resources available, and I am asking that we make ourselves aware of what is and may be necessary to protect our colonies.

Resources are:

  1. ‘Asian hornet Watch’ App – Available for Apple & Android phones
  2. The BBKA website:
    https://www.bbka.org.uk/listing/category/asian-hornet-vespa-velutina
  3. BeeBase:
    https://www.nationalbeeunit.com/about-us/beekeeping-news/2023-asian-hornet-rolling-updates/
  4. Our own (NBKA) Asian Hornet Contact Points Rebecca Collins [07957 566319] & Tony Capener [07770 224656] (our AHAT Coordinators). Emails:
    tony.capener@gmail.com and bex.collins33@yahoo.co.uk
    These should be the first people you contact in the event of a sighting.
  5. BBKA & BeeCraft Magazines had articels recently:
    BBKA News January pp18-19; and BeeCraft March pp8-10
  6. The BBKA held its Asian Hornet Conference on Saturday 17th of February.  There is a video of the presentations available on YouTube at:
    https://www.youtube.com/live/dUMk2tzaw1E?si=CXzQZtZNWfLGv7SF

Finally if you would like to help the fight to prevent the spread this year please consider donating to the BBKA Appeal:
https://www.bbka.org.uk/appeal/save-the-bees  

This Association is in contact with our sister organisations with regard to common actions on the timing, type, and location of traps to detect the spread of this pest. Also checking the best types of defence to use on our hives should there be a real threat closer to home.