'Report Asian hornet nests, don't destroy them'

People are being asked to track the location of Asian hornet nests rather than destroy them.

It comes as Queen Asian hornets are set to leave their primary nests alongside worker hornets to build their large main nests in new locations, capable of holding up to 2,000 hornets.

The States is asking members of the public to submit photos and information about where they find nests so the Asian hornet team can come and remove them.

The Asian hornet is described as a non-native invasive species, which poses a threat to biodiversity, pollinating insects and beekeeping activities.

During this year's "Spring Queening" phase, more queen Asian hornets were trapped than any previous year with 69 queens caught and five primary nests destroyed.

Hundreds of volunteers took part in "a comprehensive island-wide programme" to trap queen Asian hornets as they emerged from hibernation in the spring or as they arrived from France and possibly other islands.

"We are really grateful to our trapping volunteers for their support and commitment to this project." said Francis Russell, the States' Asian Hornet Strategy project coordinator.

"We're also grateful to members of the wider public who have played a vital role in reporting potential Asian hornet or nest sightings to us.

"If you spot what you think might be a hornet, take a photo, observe where it goes, send the information to us and we'll do the rest."

People are being asked to submit the information to [email protected] or call 07839 197082.

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