Aquitaine invaded by killer hornets
I keep reading in the news about the Asian killer hornets, Vespa velutina, that are devastating the bee population of Aquitaine.
The hornets escaped from a consignment of Chinese pottery in 2004 and have been spreading North, enjoying the warm climate. Fears are that the hornets will eventually make their way up through France to England.
Although they can give a nasty sting, it is their ability to completely devastate the native bee population, that is the major concern. They ransack the bee hive, devouring the bees and feeding the larvae to their own.
Their football shaped hives are cropping up all over the forests of Aquitaine and are beginning to worry the bee-keepers of France, who’s honey production is already being challenged by pesticides and the long, hot weather.
At this stage, I am not sure what is being done about this. Do they need to be reported if you see them? Is there a programme of irradication in force? Is it advisable to try to tackle one of their hives yourself? Are they swottable? I must admit, I think I would avoid them at all cost.
Here is a little information about hornets from Wikipedia. I was right, they’re not to be messed with!
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