Members of the public are being encouraged to watch out for Asian hornets after another nest was discovered in Fowey.

Inspectors from the National Bee Unit have destroyed and removed the nest, the second to be found in the town this month.

The Asian hornet is no more dangerous to humans than a bee, but it is a fierce predator of the native British honey bee.

Surveillance of the Fowey area is now ongoing to ensure no other Asian hornet nests are present, said Defra’s deputy director for Plant and Bee Health Nicola Spence.

Earlier in September, a Liskeard beekeeper discovered one single Asian hornet in a trap she had set in her apiary, but no further non-native hornets have been found in the Liskeard area.

‘While the Asian hornet poses no greater risk to human health than a bee, we recognise the damage they can cause to honey bee colonies.’ said Ms Spence.

‘The discovery of a second nest in Fowey emphasises the need for continued vigilance.

‘During September the number of hornets in a nest can reach a peak and this will increase the chances of members of the public seeing this insect. 

‘I want to encourage people to look out for any Asian hornets and if you think you’ve spotted one, please report your sighting through the Asian hornet app or online.’

If you suspect you have seen an Asian hornet you can report this using the iPhone and Android app ‘Asian Hornet Watch’ or by emailing [email protected].

Information guides are available at www.nonnativespecies.org.