WALKERS, gardeners and holidaymakers returning from Europe are being urged to keep a lookout for an insect that can decimate bee colonies.

Beekeepers are asking members of the public to report sightings of yellow-legged Asian hornets in the New Forest and along the coast between Southampton and Bournemouth.

National Bee Unit inspectors sent to investigate confirmed sightings will locate and destroy the nest.

Posters are being put up across the region by organisations including South West Hampshire Beekeepers (SWHB).

A spokesperson said: "In the last few years Asian hornet nests have been found and destroyed in Hampshire and Dorset. This year no nests have been found so far, probably due to the reduction of boat traffic across the Channel because of Covid.

"However, SWHB and other beekeeping associations are asking people to check yachts, boats and vehicles on their return from the continent.

"Unsuspecting travellers could be bringing hidden hornets in their vehicles, thus inadvertently releasing queen hornets that will establish new nests here in the spring."

Yellow-legged Asian hornets have spread across western Europe since they appeared in France in 2004.

Parts of Spain have lost more than half their hives as a result of hornets preying on bees. The insects have also attacked people, including grape pickers stung by hornets feeding on grape juice and fruit growers targeted by hornets preying on pollinating insects.

The SWHB spokesperson said their nests were often as big as footballs.

They added: "These will generally be sited at the top of a tall tree, or in the eaves of a house/garage/shed. They have also been found in hedges.

"Check your vehicle, yacht or boat if returning from the continent or Channel Islands for any ‘hitchhiking’ hornet.

"Use your mobile to take a photo and download the Asian Hornet Watch app (Android and Apple) to help identify what you have seen.

"If you find a nest do not approach it - stay at least 20 metres away and take a picture.

"Individual hornets will not mind you photographing them but don’t get too close. Like all insects they don't like the thing they're standing on to vibrate."