2 September, Monday, 2024
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HomeWorldAsiaHuge Asian hornets nearly wipe out beekeeper's business after tearing through hives

Huge Asian hornets nearly wipe out beekeeper’s business after tearing through hives

The giant insects that can devour more than 60 bees a day, have killed thousands of bees at Peter Down’s apiary in Kent

Huge Asian hornets have nearly wiped out a beekeeper’s business after tearing through his hives.

The giant insects that can devour more than 60 bees a day, have killed thousands of bees at Peter Down’s apiary in Kent. Out of 20 hives, only four or five remain and those bees are so stressed that they cannot produce any honey and will likely die off in the winter.

It comes as 42 nests have been found in the UK – almost all in Kent – this season, dwarfing figures for previous years. Peter is calling on the government to do more to tackle the outbreak, which experts warn could ultimately threaten the nation’s food supply.

The 40-year-old, from New Romney, said he has watched in horror as his bees are “depleting” before his eyes – leaving him unable to sell any honey. He said: “We were pushing more than 20 hives coming into the season, but have lost between 14 and 16. I feel like I’ve lost everything.

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