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Killer Hornets Spreading Across The World
Murder Hornets Can Chew Through Human Skin and Kill With One Sting
The terrifying insects are typically found in Japan, and have been known to attack humans by chewing through the skin and stinging
Daily Mirror UK, 17 MAY 2020
Asian hornets can kill humans with one sting of venom
Deadly ‘murder hornets’ can chew through human skin and kill with a single sting, experts have warned.
The terrifying insects are typically found in Japan, and have been known to attack humans.
Speaking to WUSA, entomologist Dr Samuel Ramsey explained: “We've been sounding the alarm about this insect for months.
"[The Asian giant hornet] is a very large insect. About the size of your thumb. It has these very sharp, large mandibles that are attached to these really big muscles that allow it to chew through a lot of different fabrics.
"They can chew through skin, and they also have a really long stinger."
Dr Ramsey added that the insects’ poisonous venom can destroy human cells and cause excruciating pain.
An smaller Asian hornet found in Gloucestershire in 2016 - these are smaller and less dangerous than Asian giant hornets (Image: PA) Worryingly, murder hornets have been known to kill up to 50 people a year in Japan - the insects’ native country.
Dr Ramsey added: “That is a large number because most stinging insects that we deal with on a regular basis inject a much smaller amount of venom.”
Meanwhile, a man died yesterday after being stung by a killer Asian hornet while trying to deal with a nest near his home in Spain.
The 54-year-old from Villestro, in north-western Spain, was a keen beekeeper and kept his own hive.
Local reports say he had been trying to deal with a wasp nest that was close to the beehive when he was stung.
The man was stung near his eyebrow and the injury proved fatal.
However, giant Asian hornets are regularly confused with Asian hornets - smaller insects that are less harmful to humans.
A Defra spokesperson told Mirror Online: “There have been no confirmed sightings of Asian giant hornets in Europe and this species must not be mistaken for the more common Asian hornet.
“While the Asian hornet has been found in the UK, these pose no greater risk to human health than a bee.”
The insects’ poisonous venom can destroy human cells and cause excruciating pain (Image: SWNS)
While the insects are yet to reach the British Isles this year, experts are calling on the public to report any sightings of the smaller Asian hornets.
Nicola Spence, Chief Plant Health Officer, said: “By ensuring we are alerted to possible sightings as early as possible, we can take swift and effective action to stamp out the threat posed by Asian hornets.
“While the Asian hornet poses no greater risk to human health than a bee, we recognise the damage they can cause to honey bee colonies and other beneficial insects.
"Please continue to look out for any Asian hornets and if you think you’ve spotted one, report your sighting through the Asian hornet app or online.”
Asian hornets have a dark brown or black velvety body (Image: Getty Images)
How to spot an Asian Hornet
According to the UK government, Asian hornets:
- have a dark brown or black velvety body
- have a yellow or orange band on fourth segment of abdomen
- have yellow tipped legs
- are smaller than the native European hornet
- are not active at night
"If you find a nest, don’t try to remove it yourself – it can be dangerous and should only be done by experts."
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