FARNHAM Beekeepers’ Association is urging people “to be vigilant” and report any possible sightings of the invasive Asian hornet, after a nest of the voracious predator was destroyed in nearby Alresford.

The nesat was found and destroyed by the National Bee Unit (NBU) on Tuesday last week after a member of the public told a beekeeper that there were some “very funny looking wasps” on the rotting fruit in the orchard.

The NBU, with support from local beekeepers including the Farnham Beekeepers Association, is continuing to search for further nests in the area.

British beekeepers have been concerned for some time that the Asian hornet, first discovered in south west France in 2005, was travelling northwards. The island of Jersey has been overrun with Asian hornet nests this year, while on the mainland, the invaders have been spotted in Hull, Bury, Guildford and Liskeard.

Two further Asian hornet nests were destroyed in Cornwall last month, while a second Asian hornet nest was found and destroyed in Hampshire this week, in Brockenhurst at the heart of the New Forest.

Although the Asian hornet poses no greater risk to human health than a bee, the insect does pose a threat to honey bees and other pollinating insects, and will attack if a nest is disturbed.

Diane Cook, of the Farnham Beekeepers Association, said: “These insects are voracious predators of honeybees and all other pollinators and, if they become established in large numbers, will have a serious effect on insect numbers and subsequently on birds too as their food is depleted.

“The NBU’s inspectors are working to confirm numerous sightings along the south coast and destroy nests when found, and beekeeping organisations are monitoring traps and disseminating information locally.”

Asian hornets are slightly smaller but wider than European hornets, which look like large wasps. They are predominantly black or dark brown, with a yellow-orange stripe near the end of the abdomen.

The face is orange and the ends of the legs are yellow – hence it is also known as the name yellow legged hornet.

Diane continued: “At this time of the year, numerous queens are emerging from the nests looking for hibernation sites before establishing new nests in the spring. Autumn and early spring monitoring and reporting is vital.”

Farnham Beekeepers has a dedicated Asian Hornet Action Team which will work in tandem with the NBU to help identify nest sites, most of which are high in trees, but some may be in hedges or sheds and greenhouses.

Any possible sightings can be reported by email, with a photo if possible, to [email protected] as well as [email protected].