This week has been designated by the British Beekeepers Association (BBKA) as Asian Hornet Week. The intention is to increase public awareness of the threat that this voracious insect poses to our pollinators and, in particular, to encourage accurate identification and reporting. By end of July 2024, over 22,000 reported sightings were incorrect and only about 60% of sighting reports included a photo which is vital for confirmation.
To that end, the BBKA have provided the following which we encourage beekeepers and members of the public to read and to help distribute:
- An Asian hornet fact sheet
- An Asian hornet look-a-likes sheet – to avoid incorrect identification and reporting
- An Asian hornet press release