A record number of deadly Asian giant hornets, known as murder hornets, have invaded Britain this year, posing a threat to bees and humans. These massive insects, which tear honey bees apart and eat them, can cause between 30 to 50 deaths per year in Japan due to their venomous sting. While most stings only result in pain, they can trigger severe allergic reactions and multiple stings can lead to kidney failure and even death.
New data reveals that there were 78 confirmed sightings in 2023, mainly in Kent, where 54 nests have been destroyed this year. The Asian giant hornet was first spotted in the country in spring after a four-year absence. Roy Taylor, who runs Fawkham Bee Company, warned that the influx of these hornets is set to worsen.
“People will die if they are allergic to bee stings,” he said. He also explained that the hornets are building their nests lower down due to the wind, making them easier to disturb. “They will chase you for 200 metres,” he added. “They will not let you escape.” He believes that beekeepers will have to work harder than ever to keep their hives pest-free and predicts many hobbyists will simply give up.
Roy, a 57 year old beekeeper, warned: “It’s going to mean checking your hives every day and moving them frequently to avoid the hornets,” adding, “We’ve got them now. There’s no getting away from them.” He explained that one nest of Asian hornets can eat up to 11.3kg of bees and insects. “We are not on top of it but we are going to have to learn to live with it,” he told KentOnline. “It’s a new way of life for everyone. We are never going to be able to contain it here.”
The giant Asian hornets had already been blamed for the deaths of six people in France when they arrived in Kent in the spring. They are believed to have entered France in a shipment of Chinese pottery in 2004. The hornets prey on bees and wasps, sparking fears that they may harm honey and crop production. Roy confirmed: “One important point is the future loss of pollinators which are already under pressure from climate change, pollution, and pesticides.” The giant Asian hornets were first spotted in Kent in April in Folkestone after an absence of four years.
The British Bee Keeping Association (BBKA) confirmed it was the second reported sighting in the UK, with the first being in Northumberland. The worst month for sightings was August with 32 nests destroyed across the county.
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