In recent years, an emerging threat has worried biodiversity and beekeeping experts in both the United States and Europe: the invasion of Asian hornets, also known as ‘murder hornets’.
These insects, which can inject venom through multiple stings, have become a worrying transcontinental presence.
Hornet
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The hornets’ brutal techniques, which include decapitating bees to feed their young, can quickly decimate hives.
Situation in the United Kingdom
The UK has seen an alarming increase in hornet activity, with 72 nests destroyed in 2023 in 56 different locations, a significant increase on the previous year. The proximity to France, where Asian hornets are already well established, only exacerbates the risk of a large-scale invasion.
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Risks to humans and protective measures
However, their bites are extremely painful and can be dangerous for allergy sufferers.
To protect yourself, it is advisable to avoid walking barefoot in areas where these insects are present and maintain adequate hygiene to prevent bites. If you are stung, it is crucial to wash the area with soap and water and apply a cold compress to relieve pain and inflammation.
Its presence has already been confirmed in both the United States and Canada, raising concerns about its impact on already vulnerable bee populations.
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*This content was rewritten with the assistance of artificial intelligence based on information from O GLOBO and was reviewed by a journalist and an editor.
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