Off The Record

Large Asian Hornet Nests Found In Abandoned House Promoting Fresh Warnings

Published on October 11, 2023

In St. Brelades, a town on Channel Island in the United Kingdom, a nest of the Asian hornet, Vespa velutina nigrithorax, has been discovered in an abandoned house.

This species is harmful to ecosystems because it can wipe out native hornet populations and threaten the honeybee industry.

When provoked, they can become quite hostile toward people.

Asian hornets first arrived in Europe via a nest stowed away on a ship.

Their initial sighting was in the south of France, but they have since been documented all around Europe.

St. Barts and the other Channel Islands are especially vulnerable to these hornets because of their proximity to Europe.

There have been 171 confirmed nests of Asian hornets discovered in the UK so far this year, up from 71 at the same time last year, thanks to the discovery of a nest in St. Brelades.

The government is worried that they are losing the fight to keep this species out of the country.

Citizens are being warned to exercise extreme caution around Asian hornet nests.

The rapidity with which these hornets can spread means that preparation for dealing with them is essential.

They can be seen most frequently in the following locations:

Buildings and homes
nesting sites in vegetation
In orchards
During the colder months, they will take refuge somewhere that is dry and comfortable.

When their nest is disturbed, Asian hornets may become very hostile, so it’s important to keep that in mind if you ever come across one.

Keep an eye out and let the authorities know about it, but don’t try to get rid of it yourself. Don’t bother them; they’re likely to become aggressive if you do. Instead, you should contact the police and provide them with your precise coordinates.

Get in touch with the Animal and Plant Health Agency if you live in the UK. They have all it takes to combat Asian hornets, including the necessary tools and resources.

Keep Your Distance: Any approach to the nest could provoke an attack. Remember that the sting of one of these insects can cause excruciating pain if you ever find yourself a victim.

Do your own research: Learn as much as you can about these insects in case you ever have to deal with them.

If you discover a nest close to your home, take every precaution to ensure the nest’s inhabitants don’t find their way inside. Close off any openings and seal up every hole you find.

If you discover an Asian hornet nest, you should always contact a professional pest control agency immediately. They are the best candidates to resolve the issue at hand.