Experts are warning the public to remain vigilant with nests of a killer insect continuing to be discovered in the county.
Beekeepers in Kent are teaming up to tackle the growing crisis of yellow-legged Asian hornets nesting and thriving.
They’ve now launched a campaign which will involve the public called Look Up, encouraging ramblers to report nests previously hidden away by foliage.
Anyone who sees one of the stinging insects is urged to report it through the Asian Hornet app.
They have a dark brown or black velvety body, with a characteristically dark abdomen and yellow-tipped legs.
Asian hornets are also smaller than the native European hornet, while nests at this time of year can be up to 60cm wide and 80cm tall, and will typically be seen in the tops of trees but may be found in hedges or buildings.
While the Asian hornet poses no greater risk to human health than native wasps and hornets, they do pose a huge risk to honey bees and insect pollinators.
In September 2023, beekeeper Peter Down was devastated after the hornet tore through his hives, massacring thousands of bees in Capel-Le-Ferne, between Folkestone and Dover.
The hornets are most predominant in coastal areas, including Whitstable. But they have also been confirmed inland at Canterbury, Ashford and Maidstone – and even as far as Tunbridge Wells and Rochester.
It comes as 2024 has been the second worst year on record since the invasive species first reared its head in 2016.
Nineteen nests have been found and destroyed so far this year, with only 2023’s total figure of 72 nests trumping this number.
The British Beekeepers’ Association (BBKA) has set up an Asian Hornet Team to provide the National Bee Unit, which has been leading the government’s programme to eradicate the pest, with additional help.
Kent remains on the frontline, with the vast majority of sightings and nests having been reported in the county.
Sue Knights, the BBKA’s county Asian hornet team coordinator for Kent, said: “Now is a crucial time for spotting Yellow-Legged Asian hornet nests, as the falling leaves from the trees could reveal nests that were otherwise hidden.
“It is vital that we know where these nests are located, so that we can keep an eye on the area for any queen hornets emerging from hibernation in the spring.
“The summer is over, but that doesn’t mean we’re resting on our laurels and we really need everyone in the community to stay vigilant over the coming months.
“Next time you’re out, please just take a moment to ‘look up’ in the trees around you – if you see anything that looks like a nest, please report it.”
Tony Warren, Asian Hornet Team Coordinator for the Gravesend branch and founder of Asian Hornet Alert, a Kent-based community action group set up in the wake of increasing numbers of hornets in the area, added: “It is clearly good news that there has been a significant reduction in the number of the nests found and destroyed this year and that’s a credit to the hard work of all those involved – from the vigilance of the public reporting sightings to the members of the NBU tasked with tracking and destruction of the nests.
“But the threat remains. There will be nests out there that have not been seen and these will have gone full circle releasing queens for next year.
“The challenge now is to find these nests, which will greatly aid the queen trapping and reduce the nests for next year. They can be anywhere but most commonly high up in a tree. So please take a moment to look up – they will now be far more visible as the leaves are dropping.”
