Brits issued Asian Hornets warning - How to keep home safe
While it was hoped a British winter would kill them off, it appears that the pests have survived, meaning it's likely they are now around for good.
This means British gardeners may have to get used to deterring these pests if they want to be able to enjoy their outside spaces this summer and protect native wildlife.
Hornets of any variety are not desirable to have around, but Asian hornets are particularly problematic.
They have been responsible for wiping out honeybee populations across Europe, and can kill as many as 50 bees a day. They can also deliver a nasty sting to humans, which can be serious should you be allergic.
Andy Simms from MyBuilder, said prevention is essential when it comes to Asian Hornets.
It wouldn't be a @SteveBackshall show without a *very* dangerous creature making an appearance. Here, Steve gets up close and personal with the dreaded Asian hornet 🫣
The Secret Life of Bees. 29th May 9pm. Watch | Stream on 5#bees #secretlifeofbees #hornets pic.twitter.com/VdMxyMEZ5q
'While it's currently unlikely that most of us in the UK will see any Asian hornets, like any pests, it's harder to get rid of them once they've arrived than it is to prevent them in the first place. Any sightings should be reported via the Asian Hornets Watch app.
'Removing food remnants and rubbish is a simple step to take, but for increased protection you should check the seals on your windows and for any gaps in our brickwork.
"It seems like Asian Hornets are here in the UK to stay now, so proper measures may become necessary - and are useful to prevent other pests, too.'
Below are MyBuilder's essential steps to take to protect your home and garden from hornets:
Remove food sources
Hornets will come to your garden looking for food sources, so the first step is to remove anything that will attract them. Fruit in particular attracts pests, so immediately remove any fallen fruit and don't leave any remains. Other food sources could be uneaten pet food, scraps left for wildlife, and bird feeders.
Seal rubbish and move bins
Sealing your rubbish bags and putting them into a bin prevents the smell of rotting food from attracting hornets.
Compost bins also attract hornets, so keeping them sealed is very important. If possible, move your bins away from your home and garden.
Plant off-putting plants
Certain plants have a scent that is off-putting to hornets. Plants such as spearmint and lemongrass will deter them, as well as support pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Position them in areas where you most want to be rid of hornets, such as around the edges of patios or by any seating areas.
Prevent the establishment of a nest
Asian Hornets can make nests in trees/hedges. To stop Asian Hornets from establishing a nest in your garden, consider trimming back trees and hedges to reduce nest spots (but make sure you check your are legally able to trim first), and pick up dead plant debris that could shelter hornets and fill in holes in the ground to stop an underground nest.
Recommended reading:
Seal off key entry points
The eaves and soffits of your property can form cracks over time, which gives Asian hornets perfect entry points into your home as they search for sheltered locations, away from predators.
To stop this from happening, seal cracks with filler, before sanding and painting the area once dry. If this is a complicated job, call a local roofer for help.
Install hornet traps
There are many different types of traps you can use for Asian hornets, but traps that are especially made for them are the best because, if not, bees and other important insects can get trapped in them too.
Your trap should be hung in a tree at head height, in a sunny area and away from deep shade where hornets are unlikely to forage. Traps typically range from £20 from most retailers.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
Gardeners urged to drill holes in fences before summer is over
Hedgehog numbers are significantly down in the UK in recent years, but gardeners should be doing everything they can to attract the spiky echidnas into their gardens this summer British gardeners are being encouraged to make a small change with big impact for our prickly friends by drilling holes in their fences before the summer ends. The reason behind this wildlife-friendly appeal is the alarming decline of hedgehog numbers across the UK, a decline exacerbated by modern gardening choices and the way we manage our households. However, green-fingered enthusiasts should be keen to welcome these spiky visitors as hedgehogs serve as excellent natural pest controllers, feasting on slugs and snails that threaten our cherished gardens. Coming out to feast on garden pests during late summer and early autumn, now is the perfect time to prepare your outdoor space for hedgehog guests. But sadly, these helpful critters face challenges beyond just diminishing numbers; solid fences and walls around properties have restricted their movement and ability to find food or mates, reports the Express. As noted by NHBS experts: "Research suggests that this is partly because it is becoming harder for hedgehogs to move freely due to an increase in the number of solid walls and fences being erected around gardens. "This reduces the available foraging area and so restricts the amount of food that they can eat as well as reducing the possibility of meeting a mate. Creating a hole in a garden wall or fence will allow your local hedgehogs to pass through from garden to garden safely." You can achieve this in a simple way by just cutting a small, roughly hedgehog-sized hole at the bottom of the fence, or you could lift the entire panel by a few inches so that a hedgehog can squeeze underneath (but not so large that a person could). Alternatively, simply cut a few inches of wood off the bottom of the fence so that hedgehogs can slip under. You might worry this makes it easier for cats, but they can leap over even six-foot fences, so it won't increase feline visitors. If you want to do it properly, NHBS sells a hedgehog hole fence plate which will add a sturdy metal enforced gap to the bottom of your fence. NHBS adds: "A hole measuring 13cm by 13cm is the right size for a hedgehog to pass through but too small for most pets. "Once you have made your hole in the fence or wall, you can fix the Eco Hedgehog Hole Plate to the fence, ensuring that the hole does not get blocked or stretched. "The plate has six screw holes, three along each side, which can be used to fix the plate to your fence or wall. Additional holes can be made in the plastic if required."
Daily Mirror
3 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Two fruits you should leave out in July to help birds in your garden
It's one of the most important time of the year for all sorts of birds in our gardens - as sparrows, starlings, blackbirds, robins and many other British favourites feed their freshly hatched young in the summer months It's a crucial time for an array of birds in our gardens - as popular British birds like sparrows, starlings, blackbirds and robins, feed their newly hatched chicks during the sunlit summer. Gardeners are being called upon to assist feathered friends throughout the summer by leaving out two types of fruits on both lawns and bird tables. The RSPB advises offering a diverse selection of food, catering to the varied diets of different birds as the seasons change, from sunflower seeds to raw oats, suet and mealworms. Other gardening experts echo the significance of feeding our avian allies in the warmer months. CJ Wildlife points out that birds require extra energy in the summer for rearing their young, debunking the misconception that feeding should stop after winter or spring. The specialists remarked: "Not long ago, many believed that garden birds should only be fed during the winter months; however, long-term studies have shown that offering food to garden birds year-round is beneficial, supporting declining species and allowing you to learn more about your garden visitors." They added: "Feeding wild birds during the summer helps busy parents top up feeders and provide all the natural food their young need. Well-stocked bird feeders can be a lifeline for young birds as they learn how and where to find food locally. "Bird populations are at their highest in the summer, so a regular supply of quality food helps birds get the energy they need amid increased competition for natural foods." For those seeking a simple and cost-effective way to assist birds, consider leaving out two types of fruit - apples and pears, reports the Express. Simply slice them up and place them on your lawn, bird table or feeder. The RSPB advises: "You can put out leftovers such as dried fruit, or fruit such as apples and pears. Don't use anything mouldy or salty, though, and if you have a dog don't put out dried fruit - vine fruits, such as raisins, can be toxic to them. "Fruit, especially bruised apples and pears, will be popular with thrushes and blackbirds." Birds have different feeding preferences - some opt for 'ground feeding' rather than visiting a bird table. The RSPB explains: "Blackbirds are too large to access most hanging bird feeders. To attract them to your garden, it's best to put out food on a bird table or scatter it on the ground." This is also true for sparrows, dunnocks and doves, which typically prefer ground feeding, although they usually consume seeds. If you choose to leave food on the ground, ensure it's in a wide-open area, away from hedges or potential hiding spots for cats. Birds won't feed in areas where they feel threatened by predators like cats, or where they could be exposed to danger if forced to feed near cat hiding places. Should you opt for a bird table, it's crucial to maintain its cleanliness, especially if it has a flat surface. The RSPB has temporarily halted the sale of flat, open bird tables as they conduct an inquiry into whether such feeders might be facilitating the transmission of diseases. The RSPB emphasised: "Bird feeder hygiene is very important. Brush off debris every time you put out fresh food and scrub feeders with mild disinfectant solution weekly."
Wales Online
3 hours ago
- Wales Online
Gardeners urged to leave two fruits on lawns and bird tables in July
Gardeners urged to leave two fruits on lawns and bird tables in July According to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), gardeners should leave out a variety of different foods for different birds at different times of year Gardeners are being urged to leave two fruits out on bird tables in March (Image: Getty ) It's a critical period for an array of birds in our gardens, from sparrows and starlings to blackbirds, robins, and other beloved British birds as they rear their fledglings during the warmer months. Garden enthusiasts are encouraged to support avian friends throughout the summer by leaving a couple of types of fruit out on both the lawn and bird tables. The RSPB suggests offering a mix of foods appropriate for various birds and suitable for different seasons, encompassing items like sunflower seeds, raw oats, suet, and mealworms. Additionally, other gardening experts are advocating the significance of summertime bird feeding. Love dreamy Welsh homes? Sign up to our newsletter here CJ Wildlife has shared that, contrary to previous beliefs that birds only required feeding in the chillier seasons, it's beneficial to provide food for them all year round. Their findings reveal that continuous feeding aids species in decline and allows individuals to connect more with the wildlife visiting their gardens, reports the Express. The specialists explained: "Not long ago, many believed that garden birds should only be fed during the winter months; however, long-term studies have shown that offering food to garden birds year-round is beneficial, supporting declining species and allowing you to learn more about your garden visitors." Article continues below "Feeding wild birds during the summer helps busy parents top up feeders and provide all the natural food their young need. Well-stocked bird feeders can be a lifeline for young birds as they learn how and where to find food locally. "Bird populations are at their highest in the summer, so a regular supply of quality food helps birds get the energy they need amid increased competition for natural foods." If you're looking for an easy and inexpensive way to support our feathered friends, consider leaving out two types of fruit - apples and pears. Simply slice them up and place them on your lawn or on a bird table or feeder. The RSPB advises: "You can put out leftovers such as dried fruit, or fruit such as apples and pears. Don't use anything mouldy or salty, though, and if you have a dog don't put out dried fruit - vine fruits, such as raisins, can be toxic to them. "Fruit, especially bruised apples and pears, will be popular with thrushes and blackbirds." Different species of birds feed in different locations - some prefer to 'ground feed' rather than visit a bird table. The RSPB explains: "Blackbirds are too large to access most hanging bird feeders. To attract them to your garden, it's best to put out food on a bird table or scatter it on the ground." This is also true for sparrows, dunnocks and doves, which generally prefer ground feeding, although they typically consume seeds. However, if you choose to leave food on the ground, ensure it's in a wide open area, away from hedges and potential hiding spots for cats. Birds won't feed where they feel threatened by predators like cats, or where they could be at risk near cat hiding places. If you have a bird table, it's essential to keep it clean, especially if it's a flat one. The RSPB has temporarily stopped selling flat, open bird tables while they look into the possibility that these feeders might help spread diseases. The RSPB emphasised: "Bird feeder hygiene is very important. Brush off debris every time you put out fresh food and scrub feeders with mild disinfectant solution weekly." Article continues below
