Early nest find prompts Asian hornet warning

Islanders are being urged to keep an eye out for Asian hornet queens earlier than usual after a nest was discovered near a reservoir.

The nest was spotted high in a tree on 2 January beside St Saviour's Reservoir, and experts believe it had already produced new queens now likely to be hibernating across the island, said the States of Guernsey.

With temperatures rising, these queens may be emerging to search for food and places to build new nests.

People are being encouraged to watch for hornets on flowering camellias, or checking bird boxes and sheds where queens may try to settle.

The Spring Queening campaign, in which more than 230 volunteers trap queen Asian hornets as they emerge from hibernation, begins in April.

Authorities say the insects threaten native wildlife and honey bees and pose a risk if a nest is disturbed.

Suspected sightings can be reported to asianhornet@gov.gg or by calling 01481 220110 or 07839 197082.

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