The insect kingdom seems to consist of an infinite number of varieties. As a result, it takes constant vigilance to keep ahead of the threats they pose to home and family. Now comes news of a vicious new species that may be making its way from Asia via Europe and the United Kingdom.
Giant Asian hornets first surfaced in France in 2004. It’s believed they arrived in a shipment of Chinese pottery. There are no natural predators to this species indigenous to France, so they were able to thrive and increase in numbers. Out of 100 departments, which are roughly equivalent to counties, the hornets had colonized 39 of them by 2012.
Great Britain’s House of Commons addressed the potential for an Asian hornet invasion in this month’s report from its Environmental Audit Committee. It stated that the country is in the process of instituting an alert system and contingency plan for the insect’s possible arrival in the U.K. It’s anticipated that the pest will infest the soil in plants being shipped from France or simply fly across the Channel.
At least 28 people were reported to have died in China last year from the hornet’s deadly sting, which can cause anaphylactic shock and kidney failure. In addition, their jaws are strong enough to chew through protective clothing and their venom is as corrosive as acid.
So far there’s no word about this species coming to New Jersey and Monmouth County. If it does, you can rest assured that our trained professionals at Allison Pest Control keep up-to-date on the most efficient methods to fight this pest and any others. Please contact us with any questions you may have.