hilda-and-evadne Posted September 26, 2009 Share Posted September 26, 2009 UK warned as plague of bee-eating hornets spreads north in France Guardian Friday 25 September 2009 21.35 BST For five years they have wreaked havoc in the fields of south-western France, scaring locals with their venomous stings and ravaging the bee population to feed their rapacious appetites. Now, according to French beekeepers, Asian predatory hornets have been sighted in Paris for the first time, raising the prospect of a nationwide invasion which entomologists fear could eventually reach Britain. ... the hornet's menace to human beings pales into insignificance in comparison with the destruction it wreaks on its chosen habitat. In south-western France, where its population surges each year, beleaguered beekeepers claim that they are being driven into the ground by the insect's destructive eating habits. ... But the threat is not immediate, said Stuart Hind, head of the Natural History Museum's centre for biodiversity in London. "[A UK invasion] is very likely," he said. "It is entirely plausible. But it could be 10 to 15 years before they come knocking on our door." But, he added, "If anything were to stop them it would be the good, old-fashioned British summers. They wouldn't cope well with heavy rain." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted September 26, 2009 Share Posted September 26, 2009 I've heard about these before. I love the last comment about British summers, we should be safe in that case! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted September 26, 2009 Share Posted September 26, 2009 Yes, hopefully the weather will keep them away Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
