1. Following the discovery of nests in the county last year, what steps are the council taking to manage the threat of Asian Hornets?
Prior to the discovery of Asian Hornets in Plymouth, Devon County Council (DCC) had set up the Devon Invasive Species Initiative as a working group of the Devon Local Nature Partnership. This local action group sits under the umbrella of the GB non-native species secretariat, which co-ordinates the national effort to control invasive species.
Our strategy is to alert the public to the importance of reporting any suspected Asian Hornets to the national recording scheme so these can be dealt with and prevent any spread. Our website includes a poster to aid identification and reporting.
During Invasive Species Week 20 – 26th May 2024, we will be raising local awareness on social media of the importance of recording Asian Hornet sightings.
2. What is the Council’s strategy to prevent Asian Hornets becoming naturalised in the area?
Please refer to the response to question 1.
3. What steps are being taken to manage the risk to public health posed by Asian Hornets?
At present Public Health Devon are not taking additional steps in relation to Asian Hornets and public health. Presently the prevalence of the Asian Hornets appears to be low in the area, as does the risk to human health. In the unlikely event of contact with this species some people may be at risk of severe allergic reactions, as with other hornets, and should seek urgent medical attention if stung and have a severe reaction. We will maintain a watching brief should evidence emerge that a more general public health response is required.
4. What steps are being taken to manage the risk to local honeybee populations?
Devon County Council leads the Devon Local Nature Partnership, which has a campaign called Get Devon Buzzing. This project raises awareness of the importance of pollinators, including bees. Many roadside verges are managed by DCC and our Life on the Verge project aims to encourage wildflowers for bees and other pollinators. Grass cutting on verges has reduced and we have designated 112 of the most wildlife rich areas to be managed as Special Verges.
5. How have numbers of local honeybee populations changed in the last three years? (2021, 2022, 2023)
Devon County Council does not hold this information.