One sentence summary – Active operations are underway on Teesside to address the increasing sightings and nests of Asian hornets, which pose a significant threat to honeybees and the local ecosystem, with plans to destroy and remove a nest and ongoing monitoring in the area, highlighting the importance of collaboration and public awareness in addressing the invasion promptly.
At a glance
- Active operations underway on Teesside due to discovery of Asian hornets
- Asian hornets prey on honeybees
- Sightings of invasive hornets increasing, with a surge in 2023
- 54 nests found in 2023, compared to only 2 sightings in 2021 and 2022
- British Beekeepers Association and Cleveland Beekeepers Association involved in raising awareness and locating nests
The details
Active operations are currently underway on Teesside following the alarming discovery of Asian hornets.
This species is known for preying on honeybees.
Sightings of these invasive hornets have been steadily increasing in recent years.
There was a significant surge in sightings in 2023.
While there were only two sightings reported in 2021 and 2022, a staggering 54 nests have been found this year alone.
One confirmed sighting of the Asian hornet took place in Yarm.
A nest was located in close proximity to the River Tees.
Plans have been put in place to destroy and remove the nest next week.
The aim is to prevent further spread.
However, additional vigilance is crucial due to a “credible sighting” in the Egglescliffe area.
This area is currently being monitored.
The British Beekeepers Association (BBKA)
The British Beekeepers Association (BBKA) has taken an active role in raising awareness about the significant threat that Asian hornets pose to pollinators.
These hornets inflict damage on biodiversity by consuming local insects such as bees and wasps.
This disrupts the delicate ecological balance.
The Cleveland Beekeepers Association
The Cleveland Beekeepers Association played a vital role in identifying the location of the nest.
This showcases the importance of collaboration among local communities.
The closest previous sightings to Teesside were reported in Northumberland and Hull.
This indicates the proximity of the threat.
Originating in Asia, these invasive hornets first arrived in Europe in 2004.
They reached the British Isles in 2016.
The rapid increase in sightings and nest numbers highlights the urgency of addressing this invasion promptly.
Experts have called for a united effort, likening it to a “people’s army,” to combat the Asian hornets’ invasion.
The aim is to protect the local ecosystem.
It is crucial to recognize the potential risks these hornets pose to individuals with allergies.
This makes the situation even more pressing.
In light of these developments, the BBKA and local authorities are working diligently to monitor the situation.
They are also raising public awareness.
They are implementing appropriate measures to control and mitigate the spread of Asian hornets on Teesside.
Please note that all information provided has been meticulously gathered from multiple credible sources.
This ensures an accurate and comprehensive overview of the situation.
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| gazettelive.co.uk |
|---|
| – “Active operations” are underway on Teesside due to the discovery of Asian hornets. |
| – Sightings of Asian hornets, which prey on honeybees, have increased in recent years. |
| – |
| In 2021 and 2022, there were only two sightings, but this year, 54 nests have been found. |
| – A confirmed sighting of the hornet occurred in Yarm, with a nest located near the River Tees. – Plans are in place to destroy and remove the nest next week. |
| – |
| The British Beekeepers Association (BBKA) is raising awareness of the hornet’s threat to pollinators. |
| – Asian hornets damage biodiversity by consuming local insects like bees and wasps. |
| – A “credible sighting” occurred in the Egglescliffe area, which is being monitored. – |
| The Cleveland Beekeepers Association successfully identified the nest’s location. – |
| The closest sightings to Teesside were in Northumberland and Hull. – |
| The species arrived in Europe in 2004 and reached the British Isles in 2016. – Calls have been made for a “people’s army” to combat the hornets’ invasion. |
| – Asian hornets can be deadly to people with allergies and pose a threat to the environment and native species. |
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