Last year was very quiet on the Asian Hornet side. I was not called out at all and there were very few incidents nationally.
We have been wondering why this was the case and one possible answer was the fact that there was not a lot of tourist traffic across the Channel. This year could be very different.
We have already one confirmed sighting in Felixstowe area - again a sighting close to a port. As Dorset is close to several channel ports we should be especially alert.
Next week is a crucial week in this respect. The holiday season is getting under way and there are plenty of people crossing the Channel and by the end of the week it will be a lot warmer. Ideal conditions for the emerging Queens.
So what can you do?
- Remind yourself what we are looking for.
- It is not just the apiary - be aware on country walks, visits to garden centres, sitting in the garden.
- Check out the Asian Hornet information on Beebase.
- If you are a beekeeper have you done the Asian Hornet test on the BBKA site.