Residents of Guernsey are being asked to assist in the effort to control the spread of invasive Asian hornets by reporting sightings rather than attempting to destroy them. The initiative, dubbed 'Track Don't Trample,' aims to protect public health and the island's native biodiversity.
Asian hornets, an invasive species, first appeared in Guernsey in 2017. They pose a significant threat to the island's ecosystem, particularly to honeybees, which constitute a substantial portion of their diet. The non-native hornets spread through Europe after arriving in southern France in 2004, reportedly transported in a consignment of pottery from Asia.
The strategy encourages islanders to take a photograph of any sighted Asian hornet and note the direction in which it flies. This information is then submitted to authorities, enabling them to locate and destroy primary nests. So far this year, 205 Asian hornet queens have been captured, and nine primary nests have been destroyed across Guernsey and the nearby island of Herm.
Volunteers have played a crucial role in these efforts. Annelotte Baas-Jehan, Invasive Non-Native Species Policy & Coordination Officer, emphasized the importance of their work. "With this information we can track hornets back to their nests and ensure that those nests are being treated and removed safely and efficiently," she stated.
Authorities are urging the public not to attempt to remove nests themselves, as they can expand rapidly, especially during August and September, and may contain up to 2,000 hornets. Nests can be found in tall trees, hedges, brambles, and buildings. Residents are advised to exercise caution and check carefully for signs of hornet activity before cutting back hedges or vegetation.
The goal of the campaign is to keep hornet numbers low through early detection and removal of nests. The States of Guernsey highlighted the threat the hornets present to biodiversity, underscoring the need for public cooperation in this conservation effort.