Queen Asian hornet builds nest at cafe

Experts are cautioning people to quickly report any sightings of a queen Asian hornet that constructed its nest at a cafe located alongside a roadway.

The unwelcome variety of flora or fauna was observed in the vicinity of Krusties Cafe which is situated near Canterbury, specifically in Adisham, during the start of the previous week.

The boss of the company, Paul Jeffries, informed KentOnline that they have informed the relevant authorities about the matter at hand. The authorities have advised them not to try and take it down, and they will follow this advice.

It seems that she's constructing her home and anticipating a mate, but we're uncertain of how to proceed because we don't want to delay and cause a more significant problem.

Doing it professionally is a must. I don't possess the skills to do it on my own, so I hope it will get resolved soon.

We came across this information at the start of the previous week, however, it wasn't until the weekend that we learned she was a queen.

The Asian Hornet app is encouraging individuals to report any sightings of the said stinging insects.

Their body is covered in a velvety fur that is either dark brown or black, with a distinctively dark belly and legs that are tipped with yellow.

Although the Asian hornet doesn't pose a greater threat to human health compared to local wasps and hornets, it does present a significant danger to honey bees and other insect pollinators.

Professor Nicola Spence, who is in charge of plant health in the UK, issued a serious warning this week.

She called upon the community and beekeepers to stay alert and notify the authorities if they encounter any doubtful sightings with the onset of summer in the UK.

The National Bee Unit of the Animal and Plant Health Agency went to all reported sightings last year and managed to find and destroy 72 bee nests in 56 different places. Most of these nests were located in Kent.

Sue Knights, who is in charge of managing Asian hornets for the Kent Beekeeping Association, stated in an interview with kmfm that these creatures are a type of alien animal that has been introduced to the area.

This issue has come over from France and is resulting in complications with regards to the process of pollination as well as the production of honey.

In the present year, our main focus is directed towards locating queen ants to eliminate them and prevent the formation of new colonies.

"If new nests are constructed this year, our duty will be to locate and eliminate them."

According to professionals, during the winter season, the queen bees have been sleeping. However, as the temperature increases, they will begin to move around more actively.

Mrs. Knights added, "Once the temperature stays at 12 to 14 degrees Celsius for three consecutive days, the queens will come out of hibernation."

Afterwards, they will construct a basic home, which is similar to that of a wasp.

The object in question is approximately the same size as a tennis ball and is usually found in protected areas, such as the inner parts of shed roofs or on porches.

Afterwards, the royal lady will establish the labor force and once she acquires a sufficient number of workers, they will establish an additional colony or a secondary nest, as it is often referred to.

These may measure as much as one meter in breadth.