A practical guide to Asian hornets
This handbook is bursting with information, from hornet identification to up-to-date scientific findings on Asian hornet biology, behaviour and ecology. There are also sections on the spread of these insects, how they are dealt with in the UK, tracking, trapping, and other methods of control. Fascinating, readable and full of photos and illustrations, this is a book for beekeepers, naturalists and anyone interested in invasive alien species.
"Sarah Bunker’s The Asian Hornet Handbook is a very timely addition to any west European beekeepers’ library, a must-have for Asian Hornet Actions Teams (Ahats) and an intriguing tale for anyone interested in the natural world."
BeeCraft Magazine, July 2019
"The handbook is an excellent user-friendly account of the present state of play of Asian hornet in Britain and it is full of practical ideas. It should be in all association libraries. It is illustrated in colour throughout and has profuse references, a glossary and many links."
British Beekeepers' Association News, July 2019
Around 2004, the Asian or yellow-legged hornet (Vespa velutina nigrithorax) was accidentally imported into southern France from China, and it has spread through western European countries with astonishing speed. Since 2016 there have been incursions into the UK, and these are becoming more frequent as the population on the continent increases in numbers. They could establish themselves in this country at any time.
Asian hornets cause two important problems for humans: they love eating bees, especially honey bees; and if a nest is accidentally disturbed they can be very aggressive.