The discovery of an Asian hornet nest near St Saviour’s Reservoir in early January has prompted an alert for everyone to be vigilant as hibernating queens will be starting to wake up.
The States’ Asian hornet team said the nest had probably produced new queens before it was found, and they will emerge from hibernation as temperatures rise, looking for food and suitable locations to establish new colonies.
As such the team tackling the invasive species is asking the public to check areas for potential nests, including in flowering garden plants such as camellias, bird boxes, garden outbuildings, and in or near sheltered spots in trees or shrubs.
Asian hornets were first spotted in the Bailiwick in 2017 after migrating from France.
The invasive species are considered a risk to Guernsey’s natural environment as large nests can support around 2,000 hornets which can have a devastating effect on native wildlife, particularly bees.
A number of nests were found last year, and it is expected that more will be found this year.
The official ‘Spring Queening’ campaign is scheduled to re-launch at the start of next month.
That initiative will involve more than 230 volunteers across the island as part of a coordinated effort to try and prevent the Asian hornet from becoming permanently established.
If you suspect you have seen an Asian hornet, you should report it immediately by emailing the team at asianhornet@gov.gg, or by calling 220110 or 07839 197082.