ISLANDERS are being urged to beware of fallen Asian hornet nests that could be knocked from trees by strong winds this week.
Jersey Asian Hornet Group volunteer John de Carteret said Islanders should be on the lookout for the invasive species, which can become aggressive if disturbed.
The Island could experience near-gale force winds this week, which Mr De Carteret warned might also mean more nests on the ground.
‘With the change in the weather and high winds and rain it is possible that nests – in trees in particular – could become dislodged, as they are exposed.
‘What tends to happen is that branches will knock into another and strike a nest down, certainly that’s happened during strong winds previously,’ he explained.
Anyone who comes across what they suspect is an Asian hornet nest is being advised to keep as far away from it as possible and report it.
So far this year a record 247 nests have been discovered, compared to 174 found during the whole of 2022.
‘The volunteers are out there looking for them all the time,’ Mr De Carteret added.
Islanders can report sightings of Asian hornets or their nests by emailing Asian hornet co-ordinator Alastair Christie via asianhornet@gov.je – attaching a photo if possible – or by calling Mr Christie on 441633.
