Winchester News Online
‘Bee killer’ Asian hornets spotted in Hampshire: What are they and what to do if you spot one
Beekeepers from Hampshire and the South coast are appealing to the public to be on high alert for ‘bee killer’ Asian hornets after reported sightings of them are increasing.
The Asian hornet (Vepsa veluntina) or Asian predatory wasp, is a non-native and invasive species of hornet that originated in China.
According to the Asian Hornet Action Team (AHAT), the hornet is believed to have been introduced into Europe accidentally via an import from China to Southern France around 2004.
The National Bee Unit (NBU) are calling this an ‘epidemic’ and are doing all they can to make sure that the Asian hornet cannot establish themselves in the UK. Beekeepers have said that Asian hornets are a threat to all pollinators, not just the honey bee, and can even be of danger to humans.
John Lauwerys, Chair of the Hampshire Bee Association (HBA), said: “The problem with the Asian hornet is that they capture other insects, they’ll capture a honey bee for example and basically break it into three parts and take the middle part, the thorax, back to feed their young.
“If there are a large number of Asian hornets, they will completely destroy a bees hive and wipe it out. If they (the Asian hornet) feel threatened they will attack in force; so basically if you come across an Asian hornet nest, make off in the other direction as fast as you can.”
The Asian hornet is very easily identifiable. It has very prominent yellow legs and an orange face, but the most prominent feature is the fact that they are almost completely black with one yellow segment on their abdomen.
It is a little bit smaller than the European hornet that we’re more familiar with, but is again much bigger than a standard wasp or honey bee.
The HBA and AHAT are encouraging the public to keep alert for Asian Hornets until the end of October which is seasonally when they start to die off.
Hampshire’s Asian hornet coordinator, Alan Baxter, said: “If the public see the Asian hornet it is a reportable pest and they should report it.
“The ideal situation would be that they have their smartphone in which they download an app called the ‘Asian hornet watch’. All you do with that is you see the insect or nest, point your phone towards it and it will take a screenshot so we know exactly where the sighting has taken place.”
The HBA and NBU are depending enormously on the public to stay on the lookout and are calling on the government to put in the correct measures by next year to help stop the Asian hornet and protect our bees.
A man threw a chair and threatened bystanders in the centre of Gosport on Friday.
Police say the man, who was behaving aggressively, threw the chair on the ground and shouted threats at nearby shoppers before running away. No one was injured.
It happened just before noon, outside a Greggs Bakery on the High Street.
Hampshire Police say the man was white, bald and in his late 40s. He was wearing a baseball cap and a grey hoodie.
Officers are asking anyone who saw the incident to contact them.
Twelve people were arrested after 350 anti-migrant protestors clashed with police overnight in Gosport following reports of a small boat landing in the area.
A small number of officers needed medical treatment following the protests near Walpole car park.
Assistant Chief Constable Simon Dodds said: “Violence and criminal damage have no part in peaceful protest, our position on this has been clear that we will investigate thoroughly and take robust action against anyone responsible.
“Our officers did not deserve to be assaulted as they worked incredibly diligently on Sunday to ensure the safety of everyone in the area.”
Police had banned face coverings and had issued a dispersal order ahead of the protests across Gosport.
Those arrested were held on suspicion of assaulting officers or being drunk and disorderly.
The protest marks an increase in tensions within the UK after protests at Portsmouth, Taunton, Basingstoke and Glasgow in recent months.
Gosport Reform UK councilor Paul Carter told GB News: “If you think about this last night, no one really knew what was happening… I think a lot of people are really worried.”
People in Romsey are being warned that the town’s recycling centre will be closing for a month for repairs.
The closure of Casbrook recycling centre will take place from 12 October to 12 November.
The council says that repairs are essential to keep the site safe, after heavy vehicles damaged the tarmac beneath waste containers.
Councillor Kirsty North, Hampshire County Council’s deputy leader, said: “We are investing in essential improvements to preserve the surface of Casbrook HWRC (Bunny Lane) and ensure the facility continues to serve residents safely and effectively for many years to come.
“I thank residents for their patience during these works and confirm that capacity is available at nearby HWRCs to ensure residents that usually use Bunny Lane, can still dispose of their waste during this time.”
Locals have been advised to use alternative centres in Winchester and Eastleigh while the repairs take place.
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