Potentially-deadly Asian hornets and their nests could be blown apart by aggressive winds that have been gripping the UK, experts warn.
The warning comes after Brits were told they were 'ill-prepared' for the 'inevitable' full-scale invasion of the hornet that has already conquered parts of Europe. The weather forecast scheduled for next week projects winds of up to 22 kilometres per hour, which has sparked more fears about the insects' behaviour.
Experts say the insects often build nests in trees - but they could be knocked down in the winds and become extra aggressive if disturbed. The impact of stormy weather could be devastating for the native bee population - which play an important part in our environment as one hornet can also eat 50 bees in a day. Sadly, people have also died as a result of stings on the continent.
The hornets are able to kill with one sting among people who have an allergy, while they also pose a threat to the environment and native species. The public is being warned to stay as far away as possible from a suspected Asian Hornet and report it to the authorities straight away.
Currently, Kent is facing the biggest threat with dozens of nests already being discovered this season - dwarfing any previous year. But for many years the Channel Islands has been 'Britain's frontline' to try and prevent a mainland invasion.
Jersey Asian Hornet Group volunteer John de Carteret said with near-gale force winds forecast his week, more nests could be found on the ground. He said: "With the change in the weather and high winds and rain it is possible that nests – in trees in particular – could become dislodged, as they are exposed."
So far in Jersey this year a record 247 nests have been discovered, compared to 174 found during the whole of 2022. The species began to spread through Europe in 2004 after arriving in the south of France inside a freight ship.
They were was spotted in the British Isles on the Channel Island of Jersey in late 2016. This led to calls for a "people's army" to help fight off an impending invasion of killer hornets onto mainland Britain.
If you have spotted any Asian hornets in your area, you report the sighting here.