Sharp rise in Asian hornet sightings in UK causes alarm
Wildlife experts fear spread could have devastating impact on native bees, which they dismember and eat
Asian hornets have been spotted in their greatest numbers yet in the UK, which could have a devastating effect on native bees, which they kill, dismember and eat.
There have been 39 wasps and nests seen in the country since the species was first observed in 2016, and this year there have been 16 sightings of the creature, data shows.
Folkestone, Kent: confirmed 11 August.
Folkestone, Kent: confirmed 10 August.
Maidstone, Kent: confirmed 7 August and nest destroyed.
Portland, Dorset: confirmed 7 August and nest destroyed.
Deal, Kent: confirmed 6 August.
Folkestone, Kent: confirmed 4 August and nest destroyed.
Portland, Dorset: confirmed 4 August and nest destroyed.
Whitstable, Kent: confirmed 3 August and nest destroyed.
Deal, Kent: confirmed 2 August.
Plymouth, Devon: confirmed 27 July and two nests destroyed.
Gravesend, Kent: confirmed 24 July and nest destroyed.
Shepherdswell, Kent: confirmed 5 July and nest destroyed.
Deal, Kent: confirmed 28 June and nest destroyed.
Canterbury, Kent: confirmed 31 May and single hornet captured.
Ashford, Kent: confirmed 23 May and single hornet captured.
Newcastle upon Tyne, Northumberland: confirmed 11 April and single hornet captured.