“Asian Hornets” in Longworth Village? Be Careful

Insect thought to be “Asian Hornets” have been found in the village , and someone has been stung.

What do you need to know?

The Great British Non-native Species Website, affiliated with Defra, has issued a ‘species alert’.

It said: “Vespa velutina, also known as the Asian hornet is an invasive non-native species from Asia. It arrived in France in 2004 where it spread rapidly. As a highly effective predator of insects, including honey bees and other beneficial species, it can cause significant losses to bee colonies, and potentially other native species.

“The National Bee Unit has confirmed a sighting of the Asian hornet in the Tetbury area of Gloucestershire in September 2016 - the first time the hornet has been discovered in the UK.

“The places it is most likely to be found are in southern parts of England or goods among which it could be accidentally imported (such as soil with imported pot plants, cut flowers, fruit and timber).

Please be careful, if you come across these, make a note of where they are and let me know