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Asian Hornets: 'Us beekeepers are getting prepared'

Beekeepers across the UK are preparing for possible record numbers of Asian Hornets, an invasive species which poses a huge threat to native pollinators, including honeybees.

Esther Coles, beekeeper and co-host of the Queen Bees podcast, says the best way to combat the insect is to "bat it with a wooden spoon" - or a cricket bat or badminton racket - in order to catch the hornet and report it to the National Bee Unit, who will try and track down the nest.

She told 5 Live's Stefan Powell all about the nasty way the hornets kill honeybees -decapitation.

There have been 108 sightings of Asian hornets in the UK since 2016, of which 56 were in 2023, according to government figures. Experts warn this year may see another increase.

Sightings can be reported on the Asian Hornet Watch app.

This clip is originally from 5 Live Drive on 21 May 2024.

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