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Three adult Asian Hornets (Vespa velutina) were found yesterday near Torteval Church and were reported to Agriculture, Countryside and Land Management Services (ACLMS) by Chris Tomlins, Guernsey Bee Keepers Association. The hornets were collecting aphids from a tree which indicates that they are seeking protein to feed young.
This confirmed sighting follows the discovery of an abandoned embryo nest (4cm x 6cm) from a property near to the church, which is suspected to be that of an Asian Hornet. The embryo nest has been sent to the National Bee Unit for confirmation. An embryo nest is built by the Queen hornet to raise a few workers who then abandon this nest to build a larger nest, usually high in the tree canopy nearby.
The Guernsey Bee Keeper’s Association are arranging for members in the area to look for a nest so that it can be destroyed. This may be in an early stage of development and difficult to spot. It is important that this nest is found as if more queen hornets are produced and overwinter there will be further nests of Asian Hornets next year.
People living near Torteval Church are asked to be watchful and to check any trees in their gardens; Asian Hornet nests are typically found in the canopy of high trees. It is very important that no-one touches or approaches a suspected nest as the Hornets can be aggressive if disturbed.
The States of Guernsey will arrange for inspection and any necessary eradication. Anyone finding a nest should report it to Land Management Services, Tel: 234567 or aclms@gov.gg during working hours. It is not urgent that a nest is destroyed immediately, but it must remain undisturbed whilst plans are made for the safest way for it to be destroyed by a States’ nominated pest controller.
The Guernsey Bee Keeper’s Association has advised its members on steps to increase vigilance and monitoring of bee hives through the use of hornet traps. There may be sightings of Asian Hornet around bee hives as the hornet is an aggressive predator of honey bees.
Anyone who thinks they have seen an Asian Hornet or an Asian Hornet’s nest is asked to first read the Asian Hornet ID sheet on the National Bee Unit’s website: http://www.nationalbeeunit.com/index.cfm?pageid=208 (paper copies available from Raymond Falla House).
They are recommended to photograph the insect if possible, note the location and watch it long enough to determine the direction of travel as this may be helpful in finding a nest site.
If they then consider they have an Asian hornet after reading the ID sheet they should report it to Agriculture, Countryside and Land Management Services, Raymond Falla House
