Yet another reason to avoid Chinese imports…
Some randonneurs were attacked by a swarm the other day. One was killed, others seriously hurt.
basically, keep your eyes open when out and about. If you spot a nest, do not go within 15metres… in fact… best to walk away (gently but speedily)
Asian hornets (AH) do not swarm, but they will defend their nest en masse if they feel the nest is being threatened. No different to a wasp nest or EH nest. Unfortunately the person who succomed experienced anaphylaxis. It could easily occur with bees, wasps, EH or drinking hot chocolate from Starbucks. The difference being the AH and Starbucks is headline news.
The AH is a very useful insect, it’s just in the wrong place/country/continent.
Unfortunately the UK keeps banging on how France has failed and shouldn’t use mercenary money grabbing Pest Controllers. What the UK don’t understand is the problem ‘failure’ was caused before Pest Controllers got involved. We’re just trying to clear up the futile (but profitable) mess.
The UK hark on that some parts of France have up to 1 nest per Km² but ignore the fact that Jersey have nearly 3 nests per Km² (2023).
I am deemed a heretic in the UK because I dare to criticise Jersey/Defra/NBU. The UK will be in the same boat as France (failed allegedly) and Jersey (failed)… I’m banned from Jersey and any of their fb groups!
I have been on UK radio and UKTV warning them. UK Pest Controllers laud me, beekeepers hate me!
C’est la vie!
That’s of course terrible, but also in a way reassuring, that they can’t normally kill you. Thanks for your input. Makes me think differently about them.
They don’t go out of their way to eat babies. They’re an impressive insect.
It’s also worth pointing out that wasps and European hornets consume over 14,000,000 Kg of insects per year in France… including bees.
So how do we protect the bees?
The same way as you always have. AH have the same diet as wasps and EH.