SIGHTINGS of yellow-legged hornets are wanted from Dumfries and Galloway by experts at the British pest control association (BPCA). These creatures are smaller than our native species with an orange head. Almost their entire body is dark, yet the abdomen has fine yellow stripes and yellow/orange near the base.
Formally known as the Asian hornet, these dangerous yellow-legged hornets are a highly aggressive predator of native insects and pose a significant threat to honeybees and other pollinators in the UK.
If spotted locally, immediately, contact the non-native species secretary and don’t try to go near it or touch it; instead, seek help from a member of the National Bee Unit or British beekeepers’ association.
BPCA spokesman Nial Gallagher said: “Yellow-legged hornets may sting, so it’s important not to disturb an active nest and to seek help.”
