Britons are being warned of an "unprecedented" invasion of killer Asian hornets expected to hit the UK this spring.
The 25mm-long creatures, known as Vespa velutina, pose a significant threat with their painful stings that can cause potentially deadly allergic reactions.
First spotted in Britain in 2016, these invasive insects have already been sighted in unusually high numbers this year.
Experts fear the recent warm temperatures across the UK could lead to hornet numbers surpassing previous records. Last week, "unprecedented" early sightings of the killer hornets were recorded in Jersey.
First spotted in Britain in 2016, these invasive insects have already been sighted in unusually high numbers this year
GETTY
On April 11, a total of 262 Asian hornets were spotted on the Channel Island, marking a staggering increase of 1090 per cent.
John De Carteret, a founding member of the Jersey Asian Hornet Group, noted: "The first queens were more than two weeks early this year. We're obviously concerned."
"When we reach 266 queens, we will equal the total from 2024 - and that figure wasn't reached until June 25."
January also saw the earliest ever confirmed UK sighting in Oswestry, Shropshire.
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These hornets pose a serious threat to Britain's bee population, with experts warning they can "butcher" 90,000 pollinating insects in just one season.
Ian Campbell at the British Beekeepers Association explained that a typical nest of between 2,000 and 3,000 hornets can consume more than 11kg of insects per season.
This is equivalent to the weight of 90,000 bees.
In 2023, a record 72 Asian hornet nests were found in the UK, with numbers falling to 24 in 2024 due to colder spring temperatures.
Campbell has issued a stark warning about the potential for 2025, stating: "There's a strong risk of this year's numbers being at least as high as in 2023 and the potential to be even higher."
"It would be a surprise if numbers were not above the 2024 level," he added.
Experts attribute the expected surge to the high temperatures experienced across the UK in recent weeks.
This follows a pattern where 2023 saw record numbers, before a drop in 2024 that was linked to colder spring temperatures.
The bug has a sting that can cause an allergic reaction which in extremely rare cases can result in a fatal anaphylactic shockGETTY
The public is urged to report any sightings to the government's National Bee Unit via the Asian Hornet Watch app or online.
These invasive insects can be identified by their yellow legs and distinctive orange band on the fourth section of their bodies.
While not typically aggressive, Asian hornets will defend their nests if threatened.
If stung, experts advise washing the area with soap and cool water, then applying ice to prevent venom spread.
Unlike bees, these hornets don't leave a stinger behind.
Those experiencing multiple stings or allergic reactions should seek immediate medical attention.
