ASIAN HORNET ACTION TEAM
This page has been set up for the following purposes:
- To assist with the identification and reporting of Asian Hornet sightings within the South Staffordshire area
- Direct people to the appropriate organisations where additional information and resources can be found.
**10 August 2023 Update**
Message to Members from BBKA
Please find attached some information about Asian hornet. It gives information about identifying Asian hornet, the App, and asks all members to put a trap out and monitor and report.
More information has been put together by the BBKA here – Help the fight against the Asian Hornet Invasion.
AHAT Members have been invited to join the BBKA Asian hornet alert WhatsApp group.
Get the latest Asian hornet news stories, sent straight to your WhatsApp on your computer- all you need to do is click the link below. https://chat.whatsapp.com/KtHEKzoayn46VwwK0isFco
South Staffordshire & District Beekeeper’s AHAT Team are very capable of identifying any suspected Asian Hornet sightings as long as clear pictures or specimens are provided.
Please take a look at the identification charts and familiarise yourself with the differences between the Asian Hornet and the European Hornets.
The Asian Hornet (Vespa Velutina) native to south-east Asia, were first confirmed sighting of an Asian Hornet in mainland UK was in September 2016 in Tetbyry, Gloucestershire. It is a highly effective predator of insects which can cause significant losses to bee colonies, other native species and potentially ecosystems. nificant threat to native bee population and the wider environment.
We have detailed below a list of useful links to enable you to find out more detailed information from the official sites:
- Asian Hornet Action Team. http://ahat.org.uk/
- Asian Hornet Action Team Contacts. http://ahat.org.uk/team-contact-list/
- Asian Hornet Action Team Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/591487971204544/
- APHA Asian Hornet Information YouTube channel.
Asian Hornet Watch app.
What to do if you think you have a possible sighting of a Asian Hornet?
The quickest and best way to identify and report a possible sighting is to use the Asian Hornet Watch app which has been designed to record and help the early detection of Asian Hornets.
You can download it free of charge from GooglePlay or iTunes.
Alternatively, if you believe to have found an Asian Hornet you can report it to the Non Native Species Secretariat (NNSS) using their online portal below.
Alot of information with regards to Asian Hornets can be found on the information sheet below.
You can also make a report to the National Bee Unit (NBU) www.nationalbeeunit.com who will also be interested in your report.
South Stafford & District Beekeepers’ Associate has a nominated AHAT Coordinator who would be more than happy to assist with any concerns you may have in relation to the Asian Hornet and any possible sightings.
Clive Stewart, Westart Apiaries
SSDBKA AHAT Coordinator
Email: westart10@btinternet.com
Telephone: 07907 729136
Over the coming months we will be aiming to form teams of volunteers to help with monitoring Asian hornet across our patch. If found help will then be required with tracking and destroying nests. If you are prepared to help with setting up monitoring traps and checking them, please get in touch.
Clive Stewart, SSDBKA AHAT Coordinator.