Massive hornets the size of mice have been spotted flying around Kent for the first time.
These honeybee-killing insects were spotted foraging on ivy in Dungeness, marking the eighteenth UK sighting to be confirmed by experts this year and the first in the coastal county.
The last confirmed case was reported in Guildford following eight cases in September.
Asian hornets, native to China, feed on bees and wasps and can be about the same size as baby mice.
They can grow to around an inch long and the latest sightings in Kent have sparked fears because only a couple of hornets could kill an entire hive of bees.
The sighting on Monday in Kent has prompted a government warning for people to be vigilant.
Chief plant health officer Nicola Spence, from the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), urged people to report any potential cases of Asian hornets.
She said: “By ensuring we are alerted to possible sightings as early as possible, we can take swift and effective action to stamp out the threat posed by Asian hornets.
“While the Asian hornet poses no greater risk to human health than a bee, we recognise the damage they can cause to honey bee colonies and other beneficial insects.
“Please continue to look out for any Asian hornets and if you think you’ve spotted one report your sighting through the Asian hornet app or online.”
The National Bee Unit is investigating the case in Kent and will be providing updates.
A spokesperson said: “The hornets have been seen foraging on Ivy.
“Please keep up your vigilance by continuing to monitor for any hornet activity, especially on flowering forage.
"Further information will become available as and when the situation develops."
Two Asian hornets were identified on the nature reserve on Monday and caught by the Dungeness Bird Observation.
The bee-hunting insects arrived in France in 2014 where they spread rapidly and have destroyed entire insect colonies including the European honey bee.
Experts fear if Asian hornet queens survive the winter, they will emerge to create new colonies and work has already begun to track down and destroy their nests.
The worker hornets measure about 20 mm in length and have distinctive yellow legs, a dark velvety body and a yellow or orange band on the fourth abdomen section.
Defra is urging returning holidaymakers to check their luggage before entering the UK to help minimise the risk to bees.
A spokesperson said: “There have been cases where Asian hornets have been found in bags or camping equipment of travellers returning from those countries, particularly in spring and late autumn.
“Before returning to the UK you should check your luggage, especially if it’s been kept outside during your trip.
“If you do spot an Asian hornet on your return to the UK you should report it with the dates and places you went on holiday, and ideally a photo of the insect."
Suspected sightings can be reported using the Asian Hornet Watch app.
Thankfully, the world’s largest species of hornet, the Asian Giant Hornet, has not yet been spotted in the UK.
They have a three-inch wingspan and are about the same size as a thumb.
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