UK Laboratory Engages in Fight Against Asian Hornet Invasion

The BBC was granted exclusive access to a laboratory in the UK actively working to eradicate Asian hornets. Scientists at Fera Science, situated near York, analyze the DNA of hornets found in nests to assist in pinpointing potential hotspots for their emergence in the subsequent year. Dr. Eleanor Jones, a senior molecular geneticist at Fera Science, indicates that the UK is currently in a phase where the Asian hornet can be “realistically” eradicated. To date this year, bee inspectors have eliminated 23 nests, primarily located in Kent and Sussex, a reduction from the 72 nests destroyed in 2023. Asian hornets represent a threat to bees and other pollinators. A single hornet nest can consume up to 24lb (11kg) of insects in one season, and an individual hornet can devour as many as 50 bees daily. Early in a nest’s life cycle, a queen hornet generates female workers. She later produces the subsequent generation of males, and ultimately, the next generation of queens. Dr. Jones remarks, “What we’re looking for are males.” She clarifies that the detection of male hornets in a nest signifies whether that nest might have produced queens. If male hornets are not present, it suggests the nest was likely eliminated promptly, prior to the dispersal of new queens. During the BBC’s visit, scientists used a carving knife to open a large, rugby ball-shaped nest, measuring 20in (50cm) tall and 15in (40cm) wide. This particular nest was discovered and destroyed in Kent in October. Lab manager Victoria Tomkies stated, “This is probably the most impressive we’ve had all season.” It had been stored in a freezer for 72 hours to ensure all insects were deceased. Using pointed tweezers, the scientists extract hornet larvae, pupae, and all adult hornets for analysis. Ms. Tomkies explained, “As part of genetic analysis, we want to extract samples from all life stages.” Under a microscope, the scientists determine the sex of each hornet, separating males into one petri dish and females into another. All female hornets are weighed, and any weighing more than 0.02 ounces (600mg) will undergo further analysis to identify if they are queen hornets. The findings from this particular nest were concerning. It contained males and recently laid eggs. The dissection indicated that this was an active nest when it was destroyed, suggesting that new queens might have already been produced and dispersed. As a result, in the spring, additional surveillance will be conducted in the area where the nest was found, including trapping for emerging queens and setting up extra bait stations. Laboratory staff also examine the hornet’s genetic code to determine if any are related to hornets discovered last year. Dr. Jones commented, “We’re looking for that final link to show they’ve successfully bred.’’ DNA research reveals that Asian hornet queens are surviving winters in the UK, but it is not yet possible to ascertain if this second generation is successfully breeding. Dr. Olaf Booy, from the Animal and Plant Health Agency, stated that in hotspot areas, bee inspectors would “make sure people have bait traps, make sure awareness in the area is as high as we possibly can make it and make sure people are reporting sighting of the hornet through the Asian Hornet Watch app.” Follow BBC Kent on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.