Beekeepers in St Albans are warning people to watch out for Asian hornets, which pose a serious threat to honeybees.
An Asian hornet nest was found in south west England, and beekeepers are bracing themselves for their arrival in Hertfordshire.
Beekeepers are concerned that the recent hot weather has assisted the hornet’s migration. Andrea Goodall, of the St Albans’ Beekeepers Association, said: “This insect predator can appear anywhere and they can wipe out a colony of honeybees in a day. So we are asking people in St Albans and surrounding areas to familiarise themselves with what it looks like and report immediately if they spot one.”
The Beekeepers Association has set up a web page to help the public correctly identify Asian hornets, at www.stalbansbees.org/asian-hornet.html.
If you spot one email alertnonnative@ceh.ac.uk, along with a photo of the hornet.
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