Launch of map to report Asian hornet sightings

A new online map has been launched for islanders to report Asian hornet sightings in Jersey.

There were 4,000 reports of the insects and their nests last year, according to the Biosecurity team in the Infrastructure and Environment (I&E) Department.

It has created a reporting form and map so people can see if a sighting has already been reported and if a nest has been destroyed or not, and they can also upload photos.

Asian hornets arrived in Jersey in 2016 and I&E said they are treated as an invasive species because they are aggressive predators of native insects and pose a threat to honey bees.

The Jersey Asian Hornet Group of volunteers and I&E Biosecurity team will take action after checking reports.

Jersey's Senior Scientific Officer for Invasive Species, Alastair Christie, said the reporting tool would save time to allow the team to "concentrate on prompt nest destruction or appropriate actions".

He said islanders are "our eyes on the ground" and hoped they would embrace the new reporting tool.

Christie said spring queen hornets will be emerging from hibernation and establishing nests at this time of year and urged people to check outbuildings, lean-tos, sheds, carports, door and window lintels and eaves for any sign of nest building.

People are warned to avoid disturbing nests as the insects can sting and aggressively protect them.

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