If your are not already aware a confirmed sighting of an Asian Hornet, possibly a Queen, has been found in New Milton. This is just 5 miles away from Christchurch as you can see on the map link.
Monitoring is underway by the NBU to detect any other Asian hornets in the vicinity and local beekeepers are asked to be vigilant. Work is already underway to monitor for any hornet activity and identify any nests which may be in the vicinity. As it is a suspected queen it is likely to be in the primary nest stage.
This is the closest confirmed sighting we have had and we all need to ensure that monitoring traps are baited regularly and, if possible, checked daily.
Trap locations are registered on BeeBase, this will assist inspectors. There is also a map of Dorset traps on our site.
Also as you approach your hives spend a moment to monitor hive entrances for signs of hawking by Asian Hornets before inspecting.
All sightings are reported in the first instance via alertnonnative@ceh.ac.uk or the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology
If you catch an Asian Hornet, keep it contained placing it in a freezer to humanly kill and preserve it.
Your local AHAT Officers are:
Mark White for Dorset on 07747 620 920
Clare Porter for Hampshire on 07508 716 044
Members, particularly in the East of Dorset and on the Dorset & Hants border must undertake pro active steps. We will be in contact with the NBU to offer assistance and also to take further instructions.
