HwDAA|AH and BS

Asian Hornet, Bee Swarms & Wasps

Asian Hornets pose no greater risk to humans than bees or wasps but they do pose a risk to honey bees and pollinating insects. It's essential to stop this insect establishing in the UK, and why you should report suspected sightings. When a sighting is confirmed, experts from the National Bee Unit (NBU) and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) will work quickly to find and destroy any active nests in the area. Description Adult workers measuring from 25mm in length and queens measuring 30mm. It's abdomen is mostly black except for it's fourth abdominal segment which is a yellow band located towards the rear. It has characteristical yellow legs which accounts for why it is often called the yellow legged hornet and it's face is orange with two brownish red compound eyes. If you think you have seen an Asian Hornet, please go to this Government website where you can report the sighting. Much more information here: DEFRA information sheet about Hornets and wasps

Bee Swarms Honey bees swarm when the queen bee leaves the colony with a large group of worker bees to establish a new colony. Occasionally a swarm may settle near your plot (see pic). Should this happen you may need to contact one of our assoication beekeepers so that the swarm can be safely dealt with. Their contact details are: John Holland on White City: 07843 734 742 Dick Berry on KL2: 01275 392865 Jenny Wakenshaw on WC: 01179 669822. Mobile 07816547886 or text.

Wasps Wasps are useful to gardeners as they eat pests so the occasional wasp is to be welcomed! However, if you discover a wasp’s nest on your plot or in your shed, the best answer is to leave it be as trying to destroy the nest will only cause the wasps to become very angry. Wasp nests are annual structures and as winter approaches the wasps will leave or die and the nest will disintigrate. It is possible to remove a wasp nest but this must be done professionally to avoid multiple stings. Currently the cost is around £70.00 - contact the council or firms such as Rentokil. The cost of removal is down to the tenant.