Warning after bee-killing Asian predator spotted in UK town

An urgent alert's been issued after 'voracious predator' the yellow-legged Asian hornet was worryingly spotted in northern England. The warning follows the worst year on record for sightings of the non-native bee kiler that can wipe out entire honey bee hives - with nest sightings more than in all previous years put together.

Areas in the south of the country such as Kent and East Sussex are usually the worst hit in the UK. However, sightings have now been reported as far north as Runcorn, Cheshire. The British Beekeepers Association (BBKA) said although smaller than European hornets, they can wipe out honey bee colonies and devastate native insect population.

As part of Yellow-legged Asian Hornet Week, running from September 1 to 7, the charity is taking its message to the country, urging everyone to stay alert and report any sightings to help eradicate the non-native species.

Statistics shared by the BBKA revealed: "One nest consumes around 11 kilos of insects in a single season.

"Unlike species with more specialised diets, they are opportunistic hunters - feeding on some 1,400 different insect species including honey bees, bumble bees, butterflies, hoverflies and beetles."

As part of Yellow-legged Asian Hornet Week, beekeepers sporting yellow socks have been highlighting the insect's distinctive yellow legs. The BBKA is made up of over 70 associations and was first established in 1874.

Of the alarming sightings, BBKA chair Diane Drinkwater said: "The next few weeks may be our last chance to stop this voracious predator from getting established.

"If they do gain a foothold here, our chances of eradicating them are virtually non-existent. Yellow-legged Asian hornets do not just threaten our ecosystem - they pose a risk to people too.

"Nests are often found in hedges or near to the ground, where the public can accidentally disturb them. Hornets become aggressive when defending their nests, putting anyone nearby at risk."

What to look for:

The yellow-legged hornet is often confused with harmless native species. Key features of this predator are:

Slightly smaller than the native European hornet at around 3cm

Almost entirely dark brown or black body

Distinctive bright yellow knee socks

Single yellow or orange band near the tail end

Why it matters:

These hornets are non-native predators that can wipe out honey bee colonies and devastate native insect populations.

One nest consumes around 11 kilos of insects in a single season.

Unlike species with more specialised diets, they are opportunistic hunters, feeding on some 1,400 different insect species, including honey bees, bumble bees, butterflies, hoverflies, and beetles.

What to do if you think you have seen one:

1 - Take a clear photo from a safe distance

2 - Record the location

3 - Report immediately via the free Asian Hornet Watch app

Do not kill it or disturb any nests - experts will assess and respond.

More than a thousand beekeepers across the country are trained and ready to assist the National Bee Unit (NBU).

The NBU sends bee inspectors to track hornets back to their nests, which are then destroyed.