A DEVASTED beekeeper told of how Asian killer hornets have destroyed his business.
Peter Down of New Romney Kent was horrified when lethal insects killed thousands bees on his apiary.
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Yellow-legged pests destroyed Mr Down’s apiary at Capel-Le-Ferne, near Folkestone.
Peter Marsh, the owner of Marsh Apiaries, Capel-Le-Ferne was horrified to see the hornets attack his beehives.
These bloodthirsty insects used his dead bees to feed their own young.
Due to this outbreak, he was unable to produce any honey.
A 40-year old woman told KentOnline: “We were pushing more than 20 hives coming into the season, but have lost between 14 and 16. I feel like I’ve lost everything.”
By this time, the beekeeper normally makes more than 600 jars. However, a hornet infestation has halted production.
He added: “Our bees are so stressed that they are not producing the honey they need to.
“They are also not producing the stores they need to survive the winter let alone give us any to sell.”
The venomous insect was previously spotted in the area of Kent – with the last sighting in Canterbury August 2023.
Peter has now taken matters into his own hands and has set traps to catch the nasty stinging bugs.
He said: “On an average trap, we had been finding 12 to 14 hornets, which is high numbers given we check them every 24 to 48 hours.”
According to Mr Down, there should have been none as the National Bee Unit destroyed three nests only days prior.
The experts in this area believe it is the beginnings of an invasion, as 42 incidents were reported at 36 different locations.
Ecologist Roger Simpson said: “They are a predator on all pollinators. It’s not just a beekeepers problem.
“Asian hornets will threaten our food supply and lead to food shortages and increased prices.
“So the problem is the hornet population could take off exponentially.”
The British Beekeeping Association has urged the public to keep an eye out for possible nests. They have also set up a plan that will eradicate killer bees.
A spokesperson said: “The sharp increase in Asian hornets in England is a serious concern. Currently, the national contingency is aimed at eradication.
“The BBKA has established a national network of Asian Hornet Teams to help identify and raise awareness amongst the public of this invasive species, set monitoring stations and assist the NBU on request.”
An Animal Plant Health Agency spokesperson added: “We are committed to working closely with stakeholders who have been extremely helpful in increasing vigilance and awareness of Asian hornets.”
The deadly Asian hornet has caused mass destruction in Europe, attacking people and destroying crops. It could now be heading to the UK.
Brits are urged to be prepared for an “inevitable” full-scale invasion of people killing predators.
Experts said there is little time left until the yellow legged killers settle a firm hold in Southern England.
The invasion of these dangerous pests has already begun on the Channel Island of Jersey, where nearly 500 killer queens were caught.
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