Hive the size of a large
pumpkin found at top of 17-metre tree
Wednesday 5 October 2016
A giant Asian hornets' nest has
been found in a tree in Gloucestershire, prompting concern from Government
experts about the species' threat to bee populations.
 |
| National Bee Unit |
The hive, which was
located at the top of a 17-metre tree and is the size of a large
pumpkin, has now been destroyed.
The Asian hornet is smaller than
bees native to the UK and they pose a risk to honey bees.
Steps are being taken to locate,
destroy and remove any nests that are found and experts have been deployed
across the area.
Nicola Spence, Defra Deputy
Director for Plant and Bee Health, said the bees pose no greater risk to human
health than those already present in the UK.
“We have been anticipating the
arrival of the Asian hornet for some years and are implementing our
well-established protocol to eradicate them and control their spread,” Ms
Spence said.
“It is important to remember they
pose no greater risk to human health than a bee, though we recognise the damage
they can cause to honey bee colonies. That’s why we are taking swift and robust
action to identify and destroy any nests.
“We remain vigilant across the country,
working closely with the National Bee Unit and their nationwide network of bee
inspectors.”
It comes after sightings of the
Asian hornet in Somerset.
Tim Lovett,
of the British Beekeepers Association, said the evidence suggests
the invasion started a while ago.
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