UK beekeepers warn of Asian hornet threat to food security

British beekeepers are calling for a national awareness campaign to combat the spread of the invasive Asian hornet, also known as the yellow-legged hornet. Experts warn that the species is creating “pollinator deserts,” which pose a significant threat to biodiversity, human safety, and food security.

Native to Southeast Asia, the hornets have been spreading across Europe since approximately 2004, with population growth potentially aided by warmer springs and summers. The end of summer is considered a critical period for containment, as mature colonies produce fertile queens that seek new locations to establish colonies the following spring.

Kate Wilson, head of the National Bee Unit, noted that these hornets cause significant damage to native pollinators, including honeybees. Lucie Chaumeton of the British Beekeepers Association emphasized that the impact extends to the agricultural economy. Current government strategies involve destroying nests to prevent the species from becoming established.