Update from Mark, Hampshire YLH Coordinator

We are approaching the end of this year’s Yellow-legged(Asian) Hornet week, and it has been a busy time, particularly in the last few days.

Southampton

A sighting along with a video was reported on Facebook a couple of days ago by a beekeeper who was busy at home extracting honey when he spotted a YLH along with some of his bees on the window.  At the time there was no indication for where this was other than southern England.  This sighting was reported using the Asian Hornet Watch app, and subsequently the nest was discovered yesterday lunchtime.  All of this in about 24 hours.

This nest is in Hedge End, and is scheduled for destruction in the coming days.

Romsey

The nest that was discovered a couple of weeks ago was attended to by the exterminators, but unfortunately many of the YLH in the nest appear to have survived.  This nest is also scheduled to be revisited by tree climbers to be treated once again.  

Cowes, Isle-of-Wight

It has just been reported to me that a nest was discovered on Monday.  I think this is their first nest.  The nest was tracked by the NBU using the Robonatur radio tracking system.

These are all classified as “late nests”.  There is a likelihood that queens will have emerged from them to prepare for their winter hibernation.  It is therefore recommended that steps are taken to plan for trapping in the spring in the surrounding areas where these nests were located.

RED ZONE

   • Inside a 5km radius from where a nest has been found in the last year, and any port or place deemed at high risk.
   • Use selective traps, 1 per 1km2 throughout March-November.
   • Only trap within an apiary if predation occurs, to avoid attracting hornets

AMBER ZONE

   • Within a 5 -10km radius from where a nest or hornet has been found in the previous year.
   • Use bait stations 1 per 1km2 throughout March-November. Placed in an easily observed location.
   • Selective traps can be used if checked regularly.

We know from experience that the chances of capturing a queen in the spring is low, but it is a worthwhile exercise withing the 5km/3 mile radius.  

Possibly good news on this front, the developing "super" El Niño that has been widely forecast, is expected to bring an increased risk of a wetter, stormier autumn and early winter to the UK.  With luck this will reduce the chances of the queens surviving through until the spring.  Fingers are crossed.

Please let me know of any sightings or reports of sightings.  It is important that we keep the AHAT community updated with developments iso they can take immediate action, or prepare for the spring.