Beekeepers across the South-West are calling on the public to join their first Asian Hornet Spring Watch campaign.

The highly destructive Asian hornets – Vespa velutina Nigrithorax – start to emerge from hibernation in the next few weeks.

Somerset’s Asian hornet action team co-ordinator Lynne Ingram hoped people from across the county would take part.

She said: “Lockdown means people will be spending more time in their gardens and on walks around their neighbourhood.

“We would like people to look for Asian hornets on flowers such as camellias, trees that ooze sap and in sheltered spots like sheds and porches while keeping within government guidelines in relation to Covid-19.”

Asian hornets have distinctive orange faces and yellow-tipped legs, and are smaller than the bright yellow striped European hornet.

Lynne added: “If anyone sees an insect they think is an Asian hornet, check it out on the Asian Hornet Watch app which has an identification guide and lets you send in your sightings.”

Beekeepers and conservationists hope to mobilise support from all over the region to prevent the destructive insects getting established in the UK where they will destroy populations of pollinating insects and honeybees.

Somerset Beekeepers’ Association has many useful ID materials on its website – visit www.somersetbeekeepers.org.uk/resources

Asian hornets are a notifiable invasive species and should be reported immediately, preferably with a photo using the Asian Hornet Watch app, email asianhornet@somerset