Warning issued after invasive hornet species discovery
Welsh governmentA dead nest belonging to a yellow-legged hornet has been found near Wrexham, making it the first confirmed discovery of the insect in Wales.
The wasp, also known as the Asian hornet, is an invasive, non-native species and was first seen in France in 2004.
Since then, there have been sightings of it in numerous countries across Europe as well as parts of the UK.
The Welsh government has asked the National Bee Unit to take action in line with an existing Asian Hornet Contingency Plan, while people are being asked to "become familiar" with what the insect looks like.
Asian hornets were first spotted in England in 2016 and action has been taken every year since to "find and destroy nests", according to the Welsh government.
They pose a risk to honey bees and pollinating insects and people have been asked to report it if any are seen in Wales.
The Welsh government has advised people to use its identification guide to distinguish an Asian hornet from similar-looking native insects.
A spokesperson said members of the public can "help stop this invasive insect from spreading" by learning what the wasp looks like.
Asian hornets are active from February to November and are most likely to be seen from July onwards.
The are not generally aggressive, but care should be taken not to approach or disturb a nest.
Medical advice about hornet stings is available on the NHS website.
The Welsh government is now asking people to log sightings on the Asian Hornet Watch mobile app, or by using an online report form.
A photograph and the location of the sighting will be required with each report.
Huw Irranca-Davies, Wales' deputy first minister and secretary for rural affairs and the environment, said: "The National Bee Unit has years of experience tracking and locating yellow-legged hornets so their expertise will be invaluable in helping us take action against the insect in Wales.
"I'd like to thank beekeepers and members of the public who I know remain alert and continue to report suspected sightings."
