THE BIGGEST THREAT TO

THE SURVIVAL OF HONEY BEES

(AND BUTTERFLIES, MOTHS & OTHER POLLINATING INSECTS)

Honey bees need EVERYONE’S HELP. Please keep your eye out to spot the Asian Hornet predator.

They are already here in Essex and, once they find a colony of bees, they will annihilate them in a matter of days by 'hawking' outside the hives, picking off each individual bee and stopping them from foraging until there are none left.

Our bees have no natural defence.

Please see the pictures below to help you identify them.

Asian hornets

Asian hornets (Vespa velutina) look like large, black wasps with yellow legs, an orange face and an orange band on the body.

1, Does it look black?

2, Has it got a wide orange stripe on 4th segment of abdomen?

3, Do its legs look as if they have been dipped in yellow paint?

This clip explains in more detail:-

Wasps

A smooth and shiny body with bright yellow and black stripes. Often aggressive, attracted to food and drink and can sting many times. They normally nest in lofts, garages, sheds and underground cavities and are best reported to a pest control operative for disposal. They should not be disturbed as they can be quite dangerous.

European hornets

Hornets look like a large wasp, and should be treated in the same way as with wasps.

Please do not destroy wasps and European Hornets unless absolutely necessary, as they are also an essential part of our eco system.

We have a team of beekeepers, who are able to confirm whether or not what you have identified is an Asian Hornet. Please take a photo and send it, together with its location, to any of the following:-