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Dangerous Asian giant hornet looks set to cross English Channel to Kent

Posted by editor on Apr 16, 2010 - 07:30 PM
Filed under: Entertainment, News

News

The Asian giant hornet, which has already terrorised the south of France, where it has become a common sight in recent years looks set to make the short 22 mile channel crossing to Kent.


The hornet presents a threat to the already dwindling numbers of honey bees by destroying their hives, as well being aggressive to humans.

With the onset of global warming the massive wasp-like creature which can grow to two inches long with a wingspan of three inches could make the channel crossing in less than an hour.

It can fly at 25mph and cover 60 miles a day.

Groups of between five and 50 of these hornets will attack a beehive by picking off single honeybees, decapitating them and stripping off their wings before using the bodies to feed their young.

As soon as the hornets have weakened the hive to the point where they can enter, they quickly destroy it.

A single hornet can kill up to 40 bees in a minute, and 30 of them can destroy an entire hive of 30,000 honeybees in just three hours.

But there's even more reason for concern.

It's been reported that there were a number of incidents in France last year where people were attacked by swarms of Asian giant hornets.

In August, a mother who was outside with her five-month-old baby was attacked by hundreds of the insects, who then turned on a neighbour who tried to help her.

The swarm then pursued two passers-by before attacking two tourists on bikes, who had to be treated for multiple stings.

According to reports around 40 people die each year after being stung by giant hornets, mainly as a result of an allergic reaction to the venom.

© Hawkinge Gazette and Channel Coast News 201000


 

Comments

Display Order
Aggressive Giant Hornets are already here
by A Williams
on May 28, 2010

They are already here, we have killed two of them already this year and we are in Ashford Kent!! Nasty aggressive beasts!


Giant hornet hits hertfordshire
by susan patswold
on Aug 03, 2010

I first saw the large wasp type insect in the garden after watering my plants in June 2010. It was at least two inches long and seemed to have a face. The next day I saw it drinking from the bird bath. It makes quite a noise when it flys and I really do not want to see it again.!!!!!! We live in North Herts and a friend also says she saw something very similar. Will try to photograph it if it comes back.


They are not Giant Asian Hornets
by Mr Wasp
on Aug 07, 2010

The hornets that have been introduced to France are Asian Hornets - Vespa velutina and not Giant Asian Hornet - Vespa mandarinia. Vespa vulutina are slightly smaller than our native Hornet - Vespa crabro, which are quite docile if left alone, and pose no more of a threat. What a silly sensationalist story you've spun.


Should Mr Wasp be taken seriously - pass the swatter
by Ted Springer
on Aug 07, 2010

I dont fancy being stung by one of the blighters, even if Mr Wasp, assures us his close relatives are quite docile.

Pass me the swatter!


Giant wasps or hornets do seem like they would attack you
by jimski
on Aug 31, 2010

In the last 4 weeks we have more than one in the kitchen daily.

On Sunday the 29th August I was sat at the back of the house with the patio doors open , when five giant wasps came in and I would like to say they do seem like they would attack you what ever some of you think.

Luckly I had a babminton racket on the side so was able to get rid of them, but I have two very small children so I have to be very careful.......anyone know if we are stuck with these pests every year?


Giant hornets in south Cheshire!
by kate
on Oct 27, 2010

Found a giant wasp/ hornet in our living room today - scary. It's 4cm long. Not sure whether to kill it or release it!?


GIANT HORNET - WE THINK WE HAVE JUST SEEN ONE OF THESE
by Claire
on Apr 26, 2011

We have just had one of these in our house - caught ( and released! ) with a childs fishing net it was so big - didnt realise what it was - bigger than any May bug but not same as uk markings - who should we contact as defr appears to be one of the same - we are in Forest of Dean - no reports here - can someone help as would like to notify respective agencies! . Is this likely to be a single one? or do we need to look out for more - we live right by the Forest - lots of trees ? nest areas potentially?!!! Thanks Claire


Where to report your hornet sightings
by editor
on Apr 26, 2011
[ _USERINFO ] [ _SENDAMSG ]

I believe sightings should be reported  with a photo and details to: alert_nonnative@ceh.ac.uk  
Check out the website https://secure.fera.defra.gov.uk/nonnativespecies/alerts/index.cfm?id=4


There is one in my bed room
by suzy g
on Apr 28, 2011

I just came across a great big bee like thing I took pictures its at least an inch longI hope its not the giant asian hornet that kills bees, as I have had a bee hive in my chimney for several years..i am going to try and capture it, or get my husband to.


Four in our fireplace
by ATAT
on May 11, 2011

My husband saw what we think must be a hornet walking about in our fireplace last night (fortunately, our fireplace is closed in with a glass door). Then we noticed three more already dead just in front of the glass. They are all about 2" long. He opened the door to spray the live one with Raid and what looks like a couple of honeybees fell out. Not sure if we may have a bees' or hornets' nest in the chimney...


THEY'RE IN THE U.S.A NOW!!!!
by KIKI
on May 28, 2011

I live in South Carolina, U.S.A., and I have found 2 of them circling my house looking for hives. I am not sure whether to be happy that they are killing the wasps and bumble bees around the house or if I should be more concerned with their sting as I have a 3 yr old.


Wow! what a flight
by helena
on May 29, 2011

They seem pretty determined. A case of world domination for hornets could be on the horizon

I hope they got 1973 agreed by the UN before they attacked... It looks as if they have probably landed and aren't just flying bombing missions


Hornets have arrived in Ohio
by erik kildow
on Aug 11, 2011

They apparently made their way to my friends back yard this summer ... they don't seem very aggressive, but they are eating other insects and nesting in the dirt


Hornet seemed quite docile - updated
by dave
on Sep 04, 2011

Just released one of the beasts from my kitchen, seemed quite docile even though it did give me a scare.

My children however ran up the stairs to hide, may have given them a complex.

The town in question is Langley Mill Derbyshire.

My neighbour had a hornet in her house on the same day and unfortunately for the rather large insect it met an all together different fate.


Hornets are not particularly aggressive
by Adrian Twiss
on Sep 30, 2011

Native UK hornets are not particularly aggressive. They tend to retreat when approached. You really have to annoy one before it stings. However they can be confused with the Median Wasp (originally from Belgium and the low countries. They are very large and tend to be more aggressive than the common wasp.


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