Basingstoke faces a rising threat from invasive Asian hornets, which are traveling north from southern cities by hitching rides in cars and vans along the M3 motorway. Steve Delo, secretary of the Basingstoke and District Beekeepers Association, warns of a significant increase in these aggressive insects arriving in south Hampshire.
“There’s a huge spike of these nasty, nasty creatures arriving,” Delo said. “We’re expecting all hell to break loose.”
He urges the public to remain vigilant, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. “This is a public health issue. If you spot a nest, report it immediately — but don’t approach or disturb it,” he explained. “Ignoring the problem isn’t an option because these hornets threaten our biodiversity. They’re literally hitching rides in vehicles along the M3 into Basingstoke.”
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The Asian hornet’s venom is highly toxic and can cause intense pain and shock. Delo highlighted the risk: “There have been fatalities on the continent.”
Originally from Asia, the species was first detected in Europe in 2004 after being accidentally transported in cargo to France. Since then, they have rapidly spread across western Europe.
Despite increased sightings, Tracy Wilson, head of operational delivery at the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), clarified that the hornets are not yet thriving in the UK. “Some have survived incursions, but effective eradication efforts continue,” she said.
Peter Davies, who leads the national response against the Asian hornet, described his role as incident commander. “We maintain a forward operating base in Kent, where most incursions occur, allowing us to respond quickly,” he noted.
With the hornets continuing to move north and pose risks to public health and wildlife, vigilance and prompt reporting remain essential in preventing their establishment in the UK.