JERSEY’S volunteer team of Asian-hornet hunters have had one of their busiest weeks ever – in which they recorded more nests than the UK has all year.
Those tracking and preventing the invasive species from developing its foothold in the Island have so far discovered 224 nests in 2024, including 24 found last week.
By comparison, the UK’s Animal and Plant Health Agency recently reported that 21 nests had been found in the country so far this year.
Jersey Asian Hornet Group volunteer John de Carteret said it was “one of the busiest weeks” the team had ever experienced, noting that eight of the nests had been found in a single day, surpassing the previous record of five.
Last year the team dealt with 339 nests, compared to 174 nests in 2022, 63 in 2021, 38 in 2020 and 83 in 2019.
Reflecting on this year’s figures, Mr de Carteret stressed that the situation would be “far, far worse” without the efforts of the volunteers and the public support.
“At the end of the day, we’ve got some very experienced and dedicated people, who are giving a lot of their time.
“Our volunteers are out there finding nests, and members of the public are still reporting them.
“We are as successful as we can be.”
To report an Asian Hornet sighting, email asianhornet@gov.je with details, including the location and – if possible – a photo.
