Devastating invasion of Asian hornets is heading our way NOW and could wipe out Britain’s bees
AN ARMY of Asian hornets which could wipe out our native bee population is heading to the UK right now.
Experts have urged people to check their sheds, garages and porches for "start-up" nests as victims can be left in a tremendous pain if stung.
One study recalled a victim feeling as though a "hot nail was being driven into [their] leg" after being stung by the invasive insect.
So far, primary nests have been found across Jersey, the Channel Islands and one site in Greater Manchester.
Just one Asian hornet can eat up to 50 bees a day, leaving a devastating impact on honey production.
A colony first appeared on the Channel Islands last July, fuelling fears for the UK's native bee population after another was spotted in Devon.
Jonny de Carteret, vice-president of the Jersey Beekeepers' Association said: "It is a critical time in the battle against this invasive species - I am a man on mission to get people looking for these nests."
Working with the Environment Department, Mr Carteret said each hornet queen could produce thousands of other insects which could produce more of the species themselves.
He added: "Long term, if they get established, there will be a problem with the pollination of crops.
"That is a wider issue that people don't seem to be aware of. The hornets feed off pollination species up to dragonfly-size."
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Mr Carteret expects many more nests have been made across the Island.
Asian hornets - the Latin name is Vespa velutina - have spread rapidly throughout France since arriving in Europe in a shipment of pot plants from China in 2004.
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