The Lincolnshire Bee Keepers Association (LBKA) is deeply worried about the rise in Asian hornets, a destructive invasive species that targets honeybee hives and other important pollinators. These hornets can kill dozens of honeybees each day and can devastate entire hives. While they do not pose a significant threat to humans unless provoked, they are a serious menace to native insect populations.
Last summer, over 70 Asian hornet nests were discovered in various parts of the UK, including Kent, London, and Yorkshire. The LBKA believes that it is only a matter of time before these hornets make their way to Lincolnshire. Stewart Maher, the Asian hornet coordinator for Lincolnshire, is urging residents to stay alert and report any sightings of these hornets using the Asian hornet watch app.
To combat this threat, a team of volunteers from the LBKA will be working with the Jersey Asian Hornet Action Team in the Channel Islands to learn effective strategies for dealing with the Asian hornet. This year’s team is made up of members from different areas of Lincolnshire, and plans are in place to send more volunteers in the future to ensure comprehensive protection for the county.
Peter Verdigaal, a member of the LBKA from Boston District, emphasized the urgent need to protect bees from this ecological disaster. Climate change, intensive farming practices, and habitat loss have already put immense pressure on bee populations, and the arrival of the Asian hornet only adds to the challenges they face. The LBKA is committed to being the bees’ line of defense against this invasive predator.
As we face the threat of Asian hornets spreading across the UK, it is crucial for beekeepers and residents alike to stay vigilant and report any sightings promptly. By working together to monitor and respond to the presence of these hornets, we can help safeguard our precious bee populations and the vital role they play in our ecosystem.
