Ireland has issued a biosecurity alert after only the second ever Asian Hornet was captured in Cork, with the public urged to report sightings of the invasive species due to the serious threat it poses to honeybees and biodiversity.
The public is being urged to stay vigilant and report any sightings of the invasive Asian Hornet after one was captured in Cork .
The first confirmed Irish sighting happened in April 2021, when a single hornet was discovered in a garage on Dublin's northside. How it entered the country remains unknown. He stressed the importance of public awareness, adding: "This incident shows us that members of the public are our eyes on the ground. Early detection is key if we are to prevent the establishment of this invasive species. I urge everyone to be vigilant and inform themselves so that they can recognise and report any sightings of the Asian Hornet to help us contain this invasive species and protect our biodiversity.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage said: "The Asian Hornet is a predator of honeybees, wasps, other pollinators such as bumblebees, hoverflies and spiders, which it uses primarily to feed its larvae. These prey are important for pollination of crops as well as wild flora and disruptions to their populations may have serious impacts on biodiversity and pollination services.
Can Asian Hornets kill humans? A single Asian Hornet can kill multiple bees per day, and a small group can decimate an entire hive, leading to the term "killer". The NPWS said: "Asian Hornet will also sting people but in general, the sting is no worse than a sting from any bee or wasp in Ireland. The reaction experienced by people from their sting varies – as it does with wasp or bee stings – from most commonly a mild localized hive like throbbing swelling to more rarely, a severe reaction of anaphylaxis."
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