The Government has urged the public to keep watch for the Asian “predatory wasps” after bee experts confirmed the sighting of the terrifying insects in Essex. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) warned on Wednesday that the “invasive species”, which was spotted in the Raleigh area of Essex, pose a threat to honeybees. But the authorities have stressed that Asian hornets do not cause any more harm to human health than regular wasps or hornets. DEFRA is still scrambling to take “swift and effective” action to stamp out the threat posed to “beneficial insects”, calling on Britons to keep an eye out.
Nicola Spence, DEFRA’s chief plant and bee health officer, said: “By ensuring we are alerted to possible sightings as early as possible, we can take swift and effective action to stamp out the threat posed by Asian hornets. That’s why we are working at speed to locate and investigate any nests in the area following this confirmed sighting.
“While the Asian hornet poses no greater risk to human health than other wasps or hornets, we recognise the damage they can cause to honey bee colonies and other beneficial insects.
“Please continue to look out for any Asian hornets and if you think you’ve spotted one, report your sighting through the Asian hornet app or online.”
The public has also been warned that it is crucial to take care not to approach or disturb a nest. Asian hornets are not typically not aggressive towards people, but the insects can potentially get riled up when they perceive a threat to their nest.
