BRITS are being warned over an “unprecedented” number of killer Asian hornets set to invade the UK this spring.
The , called Vespa velutina, have strong stings that can cause painful and potentially – and Brits are urged to of the impostors.
The 25mm-long creatures eat bees, with experts stating that they can in just one season.
Sightings of the species were first reported in Britain in 2016, after they became accidentally introduced to back in 2004, in a container of Chinese crockery which arrived in .
In 2023, a record 72 Asian hornet nests were found in the UK, with numbers falling to 24 in 2024 thanks to the colder temperatures.
However, thanks to the felt across the UK in the past few weeks, experts fear this year's number could be even higher than it was two years ago.
Last week, “unprecedented” early sightings of the killer hornets were spotted in .
On April 11, a total of 262 Asian hornets were recorded on the Channel Island, an increase of 1090%.
And back in January, the earliest ever confirmed sighting of one of the critters was spotted in Oswestry, Shropshire.
John De Carteret, a founding member of the Jersey Asian Hornet Group warned The Guardian: “The first queens were more than two weeks early this year.
“We’re obviously concerned.”
“When we reach 266 queens, we will equal the total from 2024 – and that figure wasn’t reached until June 25.”
Ian Campbell at the British Beekeepers Association explained that a typical nest of between 2,000 and 3,000 bees can eat more than 11kg of insects per season, equal to the weight of 90,000 bees.
“There’s a strong risk of this year’s numbers being at least as high as in 2023 and the potential to be even higher,” he told The Guardian.
“It would be a surprise if numbers were not above the 2024 level.”
Due to the risks associated with the Asian hornets, the public is being urged to report any sightings to the government’s National Bee Unit via the Asian Hornet Watch app or online
The insects have yellow legs, and can be differentiated from other insects by the distinctive orange band on the fourth section of their bodies.
What to do if you get stung by an Asian hornet
Asian hornets, are not typically aggressive, but will defend their nests if they feel that it is being threatened.
If you are unlucky enough to be stung by the invasive species, immediately wash the area with soap and cool water.
You should then apply ice, to stop the venom from spreading further.
The hornets don't leave a stinger, so you don't need to worry about removing one.
Health and wellness expert Jay Riggs fromZeal CBD Flower Shop said: “If you have been stung multiple times or notice signs of an allergic reaction then it is important to seek medical attention.
“If you’re in any further pain take an antihistamine or apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the stinging and itching sensation”.
