Urgent killer Asian hornet warning over ‘plague’ after record sightings – how to protect yourself if you live in hotspot
AN URGENT warning has been issued over an Asian hornet “plague” amid record sightings.
Brits have been urged to report any sightings of Asian hornets after nature groups warned of a potential surge in the damaging non-native species.
Nicole Spence, the UK’s Chief Plant Health Officer, has called for beekeepers and the wider public to remain vigilant to the presence of hornets.
Last year saw record numbers as sightings of the killer insect soar by a staggering 3,800 per cent.
Members of the public have been urged to report sightings via the Asian Hornet Watch App.
The NHS warned the best way to remove a hornet stinger is to either brush or scrape the stinger sideways with your fingernail or the edge of a bank card.
Do not use tweezers to pull it out as you risk squeezing the poison into your skin, it added.
Asian hornets are usually 25cm long, have dark bodies, a wide orange stripe on the fourth abdomen section and yellow leg ends.
The invasive species threatens honey bees and other insect pollinators.
The Environment Department (Defra) said early trapping of the insect is fundamental to eradication efforts.
Recent flooding and warming temperatures have increased the risk of invasive species growing in the UK, according to the Wildlife and Countryside Link (WCL).
FUNDING
They added that the volatile conditions are likely to bring new species such as the Red Imported Fire Ant and the Chinese Mystery Snail.
Richard Benwell, WCL chief executive said: “Invasive species are already one of the biggest threats to the UK environment, from smothering waterways to outcompeting native species.
“They also cause billions of pounds in damage a year to homes and businesses.”
The WCL among other organisations are urging the Government to mark, Invasive Non-native Species Week from today.
“Investment in a fully-funded inspectorate and a strong invasive species strategy could make a contribution to halting nature’s decline and creating a more resilient economy,” Richard added.
Dr Rob Collins, director of Policy and Science at The Rivers Trust, said the conditions over the winter did little to keep the “wave of invasive species at bay”.
He added: “The Government must properly support local conservation groups nationwide who are working tirelessly to stop our waterways being smothered by nature invaders.”
The coalition is demanding more Government funding to triple their budget to £3million.
Last year, the National Bee Unit destroyed 72 nests in 56 locations, mostly in Kent.
Kent-based beekeeper Simon Spratley lost 15 of his 17 hives to the hornets last year.
He said: “In my 13 years as a beekeeper, I’ve never been more frightened.”
In response to WCL’s recommendation, a Defra spokesperson said: “Through our Invasive Non-Native Species Strategy, we remain committed to going even further to detect, protect and eradicate the threats they pose, while increasing co-ordination and co-operation with the public, land managers and businesses to deliver this.”
What to do if you're stung by an Asian hornet & symptoms to look out for
- Removing stingers
If anything is left on, or in your skin, the first thing you need to do is remove it carefully, according to the NHS.
- Brush or scrape the stinger sideways with your fingernail or the edge of a bank card.
- Do not use tweezers to pull out a stinger as you could squeeze poison out of it.
- Wash the area with soap and water.
- Easing your symptoms
If there’s nothing in your skin, or you’ve removed it, wash your skin with soap and water to help lower the chance of infection.
The bite or sting should get better in a few days. There are some things you can do to ease your symptoms.
DO
- Put an ice pack wrapped in a cloth or a clean cloth soaked in cold water on the bite or sting for at least 20 minutes, if it’s swollen
- Keep the area raised if you can
- Take painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen if the sting is painful
- Use antihistamines to relieve any itching
- Use a hydrocortisone cream to reduce itching and swelling
DON’T
- Do not scratch the bite or sting, as it could get infected
- Do not use home remedies such as bicarbonate of soda to treat the bite or sting
You should ask for an urgent GP appointment or call 111 if:
- Your symptoms get worse or are not getting any better
- You were stung in your mouth or throat, or near your eyes
- You have tummy pain and are being sick
- You feel dizzy or lightheaded
- A large area around the bite or sting becomes red and swollen
- You have a high temperature and swollen glands
- You were stung more than once
- You’ve had a serious allergic reaction to an insect bite or sting before
Call 999 if:
- Your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen
- You’re breathing very fast or struggling to breathe (you may become very wheezy or feel like you’re choking or gasping for air)
- Your throat feels tight or you’re struggling to swallow
- Your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet)
- You suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy
- Someone faints and cannot be woken up
- A child is limp, floppy or not responding like they normally do (their head may fall to the side, backwards or forwards, or they may find it difficult to lift their head or focus on your face)
You or the person who’s unwell may also have a rash that’s swollen, raised or itchy.
These can be signs of a serious allergic reaction and may need immediate treatment in hospital.
