Beekeepers in Somerset are calling on the public to protect honey bees and other pollinators from the Asian Hornet.

Lynne Ingram, co-ordinator of Somerset’s Asian hornet action teams, said if the yellow-legged Asian hornets get a hold in the county they could decimate native insects.

“Research suggests that the South-West is an area where Asian hornets are likely to occur,” said Lynne. “Even though there were no sightings here last year, possibly because of lockdown, we still need to be vigilant.”

Asian hornets are widespread in France and other European countries, and have been accidentally brought into the UK in vehicles.

Asian hornets are about twice the size of a honeybee, have an orange face and a dark abdomen with an orangey-yellow fourth segment. Its thorax is entirely dark brown or black and velvety, and the insect has bright yellow tips to its legs.

Take a photo of any sightings and report immediately to

[email protected] or use the Asian hornet watch app.