New Guernsey strategy to keep Asian Hornet numbers under control

A new strategy to control the numbers of Asian Hornets in Guernsey is being developed and will be put into practice in the spring.

The plan, known as "Spring Queening" involves trapping the queen hornets as they emerge from hibernation to reduce the development of nests and restrict population growth.

A similar programme was trialled this year in Alderney which lead to 55 queen hornets being caught. After this only four secondary nests were found later during the year.

Eight nests have been found in the island so far in 2018, but it's predicted over 150 nests could be on the island by 2020 if action is not taken.

Pest controllers in Jersey have started researching the species. A large nest removed from a tree was the first to be dissected in the island earlier this year.

In Guernsey specific bait will be used to trap the hornets, while traps will be modified so that any smaller insects which are caught are able to escape.

To help deliver the Asian Hornet Strategy, Agriculture, Countryside and Land Management Services are recruiting a temporary Project Co-ordinator who will manage the data collection work next year.