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Dr Xesús Feás and his team are successful in creating a new weapon against the Asian hornet

7/4/2019

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Dr Xesús Feás is a scientific researcher with a keen interest in the observation of the invasive Vespa velutina var nigrithorax (Lepelletier, 1835) Asian hornet. He has been investigating methods for controlling the species since 2011.​
Picture of Male Asian hornet Dr Xesús Feás showing a recently hatched Asian hornet malePicture
Dr Xesús Feás showing a recently hatched Asian hornet male

Asian hornet sexual pheromone lures
Vespa velutina sexual pheromone lures

Vespa velutina sexual pheromone lure

Dr Feás​ is pleased to announce that the Vespa velutina sexual pheromones, the 4-oxo-octanoic acid (4-OOA) and the 4-oxo-decanoic acid (4-ODA), were successfully synthetized in Campus Terra (University of Santiago de Compostela) by the team composed by Dr. Xesús Feás, Dr. Prof. Pilar Vázquez-Tato and Dr. Prof. Julio Seijas. The research carried out was funded by Deputación de A Coruña.
Dr Feás a member of The Velutina Task Force of COLOSS Association recently gave a talk at a conference at University degli Studi di Torino on Vespa velutina and other invasive invertebrates species during 21nd and 23rd of March 2019 And most recently a lecture for the British Beekeepers Association at Harper Adams University in Shropshire entitled "The Asian Hornet (Vespa velutina nigrithorax): an exotic predator in Europe. What does the future hold?” on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th April. Where he discussed his work and recent research conducted by Wen, Ping et al. (“The sex pheromone of a globally invasive honey bee predator, the Asian eusocial hornet, Vespa velutina”. 2017. Scientific Reports, 12956, 7) showed evidence for Vespa velutina gyne-produced sex attractant pheromones that mediate attraction of males.  
Dr Feás a member of The Velutina Task Force talking about the Asian hornet in Turin
Dr Feás a member of The Velutina Task Force talking about the Asian hornet in Turin
Xesus Feas giving a lecture at BBKA on the Asian hornet for the British Beekeepers Association at Harper Adams University Picture
Xesus Feas giving a lecture at BBKA on the Asian hornet for the British Beekeepers Association at Harper Adams University Picture
What is the Vespa velutina Sex Pheromone Lure? 
It is a rubber dispenser containing the species-specific sex pheromone released by the virgin Vespa velutinagynes (reproductive females).

Sex Pheromone Lure 
Insect pheromones are used as messengers that affect the insect behaviour. One of them are the Sex Pheromones, to attract adults of the opposite sex for mating. Insect pheromone is famous of its high efficiency, non-toxicity, no pollution, no harm insects and other advantages. Pheromones can be used to control different lives phases of pests in the following aspects:

Monitoring: 
Detecting the presence of the mating period, indicating the level of infestation and evaluating the most suitable treatment and application time.

Mass trapping: 
Capturing the highest number of insects in a trap to reduce or eliminate damages caused.

Mating disruption: 
Impeding the encounter between both sexes by creating an atmosphere. In normal mate location, the female releases pheromone and the males flies towards the source. In mating disruption, pheromone is released from dispensers that act as false sources, or pheromone is release at such a high rate that the male is disoriented or unable to detect the plume of the calling female.


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Second Asian hornet nest found in Fowey UK

9/23/2018

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The National Bee Unit has located and destroyed a second Asian hornet nest in Fowey, Cornwall.

Another Asian hornet nest has been found and destroyed in Fowey England, This is the second nest to be found in Fowey and was found close to the site of the 1st nest. 

Currently work is now on-going to ensure no further nests are present. The Defra press release advises that Local beekeepers in the surrounding area are supporting this effort, including in Liskeard where a single sighting of an Asian hornet occurred.

Members of the public are also encouraged to report any further sightings of Asian hornets.

If you suspect you have seen an Asian hornet you can report this using the iPhone or Android app ‘Asian Hornet Watch’ or by emailing [email protected]. Identification guides and more information are available.

More Information about this discovery, along with surveillance activities in Hull and Liskeard can be found in the following Defra press release:
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Velutina Task Force - COLOSS Conference 2018

9/18/2018

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COLOSS Conference 2018 

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We recently attended the 14th International COLOSS Conference 2018 which was specifically focused on two new invasive species in Europe – The Asian hornets (Vespa velutina) and small hive beetles (Aethina tumida). 

The COLOSS conference gave an Annual General Assembly meeting and an update on the network’s achievements and future directions.

Velutina Task Force - COLOSS Conference 2018 

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​The #VelutinaTaskForce meeting was attended by 16 members from America, Austria, Belgium, China, Croatia, England, France, Germany, Italy, Slovenia, and Spain.  
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The meeting was coordinated by Daniela Laurino (University of Turin)
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Velutina Task Force scientific objectives are:
  • ​To monitor the spread of Vespa velutina in Europe and Asia;
  • To assess V. velutina impact on honey bees and the rate of colony losses resulting from the action of this pest;
  • To study V. velutina biology, ethology, and ecology either in its natural range or in invaded areas; 
  • To develop sound control methods.
Velutina Task Force members aim to fulfil these objectives by implementing the following activities:
  • Set up a network of monitoring stations throughout the area of probable V. velutina invasion;
  • Gather information on colony losses and honey production from beekeepers in areas where V. velutina is established and areas where it is now expanding;
  • Gather information on control methods adopted by beekeepers where V. velutina is present and test the most promising of such methods in different environments; 
  • Develop and adopt uniform methods to assess colony development, kind and abundance of insects V. velutina preys upon, V. velutina impact on honey bees and beekeeping industry; 
  • Gather information on control methods adopted by beekeepers where V. velutina is present and test the most promising of such methods in different environments; 
  • Develop and test innovative control methods; 
  • Apply for a joint European research project on V. velutina.
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COLOSS (Prevention of honey bee COlony LOSSes) is an international, non-profit association headquartered in Bern, Switzerland that is focussed on improving the well-being of bees at a global level. Composed of scientific professionals including researchers, veterinarians, agriculture extension specialists and students. COLOSS understand that cooperation and open dialogue are key to better understanding the reasons why bee populations are threatened in today’s world.
COLOSS CONSISTS OF 1175 MEMBERS FROM 95 COUNTRIES
JOIN COLOSS
Special thanks are given to organisers: Dirk de Graaf from Ghent University, Belgium (local organiser) Maria Bouga from Agricultural University of Athens, Greece, Asli Özkirim from Hacettepe University, Turkey  and  Geoff Williams from Auburn University, USA

Xesús Feás would like to thank Deputation de A Coruña for funded the attendance of the Conference and financial support to investigate new methods of controlling the Vespa velutina, in a research program carried out at the Campus Terra of the University of Santiago de Compostela.
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The Asian hornet claims another victim

7/23/2018

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The Asian hornet is claiming lives in Galicia. During this summer - three people have died after receiving VV stings when they were cutting undergrowth near to their house.

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​The #Vespavelutina claims another life in #Galicia. This is the third person to die recently in Galicia. 
A 65-year-old man, a resident of the parish of Parada, in the Ourense municipality of San Cristovo de Cea, died on Saturday afternoon from the reaction of an Asian hornet sting, an insect to which he was allergic.


In these moments of loss, words are useless. Words fall short of expressing my sorrow. It was a great shock to hear about it. Unfortunately is not the first, and will not be the last time that the Vespa velutina stings a person with #FatalResults. It is vital we unite with a joint projection in the fight against Vespa velutina giving open and honest discussions of the current situation.
#Vespavelutina #Asianhornet #Vespa_Velutina #xesusfeas #galicia
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Looking at the anatomy of Vespa velutina as never seen before.

10/15/2017

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Undressing the Asian hornet

The use of the microscope opens up a whole new dimension in science. By using microscopes scientists are able to get knowledge about the existence of many things never seen before.
Micro computed tomography lateral image of Vespa velutina Asian hornet
Micro computed tomography image of Vespa velutina Asian hornet by Xesus Feas
Micro-CT image of Vespa velutina Asian hornet
Using Micro computed tomography or "micro-CT" these images represents 2D (transverse, sagittal and frontal images) and 3D microscopy, where the very fine scale internal structure of Vespa velutina can be seen. Using x-ray imaging we gain high quality 3D reconstructions showing Vespa velutina in magnificent resolution.
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Working towards the objective of attaining these high resolution precise morphological measurements will hopefully help us better understand this invasive species that’s a predator of honey bees with an ability to spread from 2 nests to 10'642 in just 4 years in Galicia (Northern Spain)
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Micro computed tomography image of Vespa velutina Asian hornet

​Xesús Feás would like to thank Deputation de A Coruna for financial support to investigate new methods of controlling the Vespa velutina, in a research program carried out at the University of Santiago de Compostela. I would also like to thank Estación de Bioloxía Mariña da Grana​ for technical assistance. 
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Meeting at National Bee Unit about Vespa velutina Asian hornet

9/26/2017

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Safeguarding with science: Vespa velutina  (Asian hornet).

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​During a recent visit to the UK Xesús Feás received a warm invite to visit the National Bee Unit (NBU), from Doctor Mike Brown, Head of the NBU at Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA). ​


The NBU delivers the Bee Health Programmes on behalf of Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) and also works on behalf of the Scottish Government and Welsh Government.

The meeting took place in The National Agri-food Innovation Campus located at Sand Hutton (York) on 31st August, It was a successful meeting and the overall spirit was that of a joint projection to unite in the fight against Vespa velutina giving open and honest discussions of the current situation. At the same time it was a unique opportunity to share our research about Vespa velutina, and start a fruitful collaboration.
​

We brought together awareness about the risk of the invasive Vespa velutina, as well as the different experiences of combating the pest in other countries in order to find possible methods to control its expansion and to mitigate the negative effects in the beekeeping sector and in the environmental field as a whole. We shared information about the research program funded by Diputación de A Coruña carried out at the University of Santiago de Compostela to investigate new methods of controlling the Vespa velutina. At the same time, a consortium of scientists from the NBU and the Universities of Warwick and Newcastle have used data on the spread of the Asian hornet in France to develop a mathematical model that can estimate the hornet spread in the UK. There is a necessity for heightened vigilance of the Asian hornet in the UK.
​Vespa velutina will undoubtedly profoundly alter our environment, affecting ecosystem processes and impacting on European society. As researchers we recognize the need to effectively confront the social dimensions and conflicts inherent to the invasive Vespa velutina research and management. The European Union has called for extensive research and dissemination of scientific knowledge on everything related to beekeeping to generate a general consensus and share appropriate knowledge.
 
Xesús believes this strategy is important going forward allowing adequate dissemination and socialization of scientific results and fostering relationships between scientists and beekeepers alike. The information provided on the Vespa velutina should be: correct, relevant, accessible, effective and based on scientific evidence. Society needs scientists that mix with the public explaining, surprising and enthusing.

The organization of society as a whole body against invasive Vespa velutina needs the expansion of knowledge, both in the exact sciences (like insect biology, mathematics, physics and chemistry) and the human and social sciences (like economics, psychology and political science). Approaching problems from an inter-disciplinary point of view and sharing the knowledge gathered in different areas is the new challenge facing research to mitigate the deleterious effects of Vespa velutina.

This is the horizon we’re moving towards. Our hopes are to stop the uncontrolled spread and effects of Vespa velutina.
© 2017 ​Xesús Feás ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 
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National Bee Unit confirm another sighting of the Asian hornet in Woolacombe in Devon

9/26/2017

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​Vespa velutina in UK: The contingency response has been initiated.


The National Bee Unit has confirmed another sighting of the Asian hornet at an apiary near Woolacombe in Devon (18 September 2017). This is the first confirmed sighting since last year, when a nest was discovered in the Tetbury area in Gloucestershire (20 September 2016).

Beekeepers within the area of the outbreak will be contacted by Bee Inspectors in order to carry out apiary inspections and to hang out traps and we ask for full your co-operation during these visits.


Work to identify, destroy and remove any nests is already underway, which includes:
• opening a local control centre to coordinate the response;
• deploying bee inspectors across the area, and;
• readying nest disposal experts who will use pesticides to kill the hornets and destroy any nests.

https://www.gov.uk/gover…/…/asian-hornet-identified-in-devon
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Vespa velutina spreading from 2 nests to 10'642 in just 4 years in Northern Spain

8/26/2017

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Spreading Fast From 2 nests to 10'642 in 4 years

The Vespa velutina was first detected in Galicia (Northern Spain) in 2012, in two areas: Burela (province of Lugo) and     O Rosal (province of Pontevedra). Both nests were destroyed.
The distance between Burela and O Rosal is 226km. The next year, in 2013 a total of 17 Vespa velutina nests were destroyed in Galicia.
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Figure 1. Map of Galicia, showing the two districts where Vespa velutina was first detected in 2012
​Figure 1. Map of Galicia, showing the two districts where Vespa velutina was first detected in 2012.
Using data taken from the Galician government this table shows the total number of Vespa velutina nests eliminated (and retired) and neutralized (not retired)

Year        Total          Eliminated       Neutralized       
2014        769               727                      42
2015        5022            4176                    846
2016        10642           9208                 1434 ​

*Please note* These figures do not show the true situation, many nests have also been destroyed by beekeepers and private enterprises and have not been reported. Xesús will be compiling these figures and publishing the data when complete.

The following maps show the districts in Galicia Northern Spain where Vespa velutina nests were detected for 2014, 2015 and 2016.

Figure 3a, Map of Galicia Norther Spain, showing where Vespa velutina was detected in 2014
Figure 3a  (2014)
Figure 3b, Map of Galicia Northern Spain, showing where Vespa velutina was detected in 2015
Figure 3b  (2015)
Figure 3c, Map of Galicia Northern Spain, showing where Vespa velutina was detected in 2016
Figure 3c  (2016)
As you can see, the last data released on approx. 8th august by Galician government (figure 4), shows an overall increase on the number of detected nests. It will be necessary to wait for the data at the end of the year for comparison purposes, but the present information clearly indicates to us that the Vespa velutina continues to spread without contention.
Figure 4. Map showing Vespa velutina nests detected as of 8th of august of 2017 in Galicia Northern Spain

Figure 4. Map of Galicia, showing Vespa velutina nests detected as of 8th august 2017.

​Galicia (Figure 1) Is located in the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula, and has a population of 2,718,525 with a total area of 29,574 km2 (11,419 sq mi). Galicia has over 1,660 km (1,030 mi) of coastline, including its off shore islands, among them are: Cíes Islands, Ons, Sálvora, Cortegada and A Illa de Arousa. Galicia comprises the provinces of A Coruña (n= 93 districts), Lugo (n=67 districts), Ourense (n=92 districts) and Pontevedra (n=62 districts), being bordered by Portugal to the south, Spain to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the west, and the Cantabrian Sea to the north.
Figure 5. Map of Europe where Galicia is highlighted, with their Provinces of: A Coruña (1), Lugo (2), Ourense (3) and Pontevedra (4).

Figure 5. Map of Europe where Galicia is highlighted, showing the Provinces of: ​A Coruña (1), Lugo (2), Ourense (3) and Pontevedra (4).

© 2017 ​Xesús Feás ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 
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Meeting in San Sadurdiño to fight against Vespa velutina

7/29/2017

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Stop vespa velutina meeting in July with Xesus Feas

The meeting celebrated in San Sadurdiño, was a success and the overall spirit was that of a joint projection to unite in the fight against Vespa velutina giving open and honest discussions of the current situation.

Xesús Feás was invited to talk at the meeting, Xesús is a scientific researcher with a keen interest in the observation of the invasive Vespa velutina and investigating methods for controlling the species.​
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Meeting in San Sadurdiño to fight against Vespa velutina with Xesus Feas
San Sadurdiño, 29th July...

At the same time, beekeepers were informed about the research program funded by Diputación de A Coruña and carried out at the University of Santiago de Compostela to investigate new methods of eradication of the Vespa velutina. A call was done for collaboration in Vespa velutina participatory action research (Ves_Par). As Xesús Feás explained: “A project in which beekeepers partner with scientists to answer real-world questions”.

Course program developed:
• Biology and cycle of Vespa velutina.
• Preventive control systems.
• Methods of eliminating Vespa velutina nests depending on the location.
• Care, preventive measures and first aid.
• Field practices. We will set an afternoon / evening to eliminate nests at different locations (aerial and terrestrial).
• Research program funded by Diputación de A Coruña and carried out at the University of Santiago de Compostela to investigate new methods of eradication of the Vespa velutina.
• A call for beekeepers participation: “Implementation of a new method for deactivation of nests: development, procurement and testing of a specific biocide to combat the invasive Asian wasp Vespa velutina (VV)”.
The EU has called for extensive research and dissemination of scientific knowledge on everything related to beekeeping to generate a general consensus and share appropriate knowledge. Xesús believes this strategy is important going forward allowing adequate dissemination and socialization of scientific results and fostering relationships between scientists and beekeepers alike.
 
Special thanks are giving to Rafael Díaz (Secretary of Galicia Beekeepers Association in Ferrolterra area) and to San Sadurdiño district.
 ​
The IX edition of the Apiculture Fair of Cantabria, due to take place on 21 and 22 October 2017 in the National Gando Market of Torrelavega.

http://www.apiculturagalega.es/
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Vespa velutina participatory action research (Ves_Par).

7/26/2017

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Xesus feas and the Vespa velutina participatory action research (Ves_Par).
A project in which beekeepers partner with scientists to answer real-world questions.
The information provided on the Vespa velutina should be: correct, relevant, accessible, effective and based on scientific evidence. Society needs scientists that mix with the public explaining, surprising and enthusing.
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Electroantennography (EAG) to fight against Vespa velutina

7/18/2017

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Asian hornet (Vespa velutina): a devourer not only of bees.

7/11/2017

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Asian hornet (Vespa velutina): a devourer not only of bees.
Invasive alien species are the second leading cause of the loss of biodiversity in the world after the destruction of habitats. The Asian hornet (Vespa velutina nigrithorax) was accidentally arrived in south west France in 2004 expanding across French territory, but also in Spain, Portugal and Italy. The velutina is a predator of bees, but unlike the Asian honeybee (Apis cerana) the European bee (Apis mellifera) does not exhibit effective defensive behaviour. The expansion of the Asian hornet has been expeditious, arriving during the period of 2009-2010 to the Iberian Peninsula (Basque Country and Navarre). Later new foci of entry were observed both in the north of Spain and Portugal, colonizing in a few years almost all parts of the northwest peninsular. Much of the feeding of these hornet colonies is based on bees and other insects, and although the impact they may have on the wild insect population is unknown, it has become a major threat to beekeeping and biodiversity, as well as for other productive sectors (forestry and fruit growing).

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April 18th, 2017

4/18/2017

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It is at this time of year that foundress Vespa velutina queen (VVQ) wakes up, and starts to construct her primary nest. So, the  VVQ will be looking for flowering plants not only to feed on nectar but to hunt prey. ​
Xesus Feas has many ideas in preventing the spread of the Vespa velutina (VV) One of them is by trapping the Vespa velutina queen (VVQ) as by doing this, He feels we could stop the full cycle and development of the future colony
Xesus Feas's findings show that the Camellia plant is a good starting point to set a selective trap to capture the VVQ. ​In ​Galicia, Northern Spain where Xesus currently resides and has been researching the Vespa velutina frequently visits the Camellia plant when flowering. Furthermore, the VVQ uses the Camellia plant for nesting purposes.
picture image shows Vespa velutina visiting the Camellia plant
Image shows Vespa velutina visiting the Camellia plant
image shows Vespa velutina visiting the Camellia plant by Xesus Feas
Image shows Vespa velutina visiting the Camellia plant
Image shows Vespa velutina inside Camellia flower by Xesus Feas
Image shows Vespa velutina inside Camellia flower
Dr.Takatoshi Ueno, from Institute of Biological Control (Faculty of Agriculture, Hyushu University, Japan) described in a previous paper a list of flowering plants that the Vespa velutina (VV) uses for feeding on nectar and for searching prey (Paper access:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/299535722_Flower-visiting_by_the_Invasive_Hornet_Vespa_velutina_nigrithorax_Hymenoptera_Vespidae).
The genus Camellia (Theaceae) is native to East Asia and comprises more than 200 woody evergreen species. Some species possess great economic value, particularly C. sinensis (the tea plant) which is grown commercially mainly in tropical and subtropical regions. Other species such as C. japonica, C. reticulata and C. sasanqua are cultivated in temperate regions worldwide as ornamentals.
In Galicia (NW Spain), one of the most important Camellia producing-regions in Europe, about 2.5 million Camellia plants (most of them C. japonica, CJ) are produced in nurseries for use as houseplants and in gardening each year and then exported to markets in Belgium, The Netherlands, France, the United Kingdom and Portugal.
It was celebrated in 2014  the International  Camellia  Congress (Pontevedra, Galicia, Spain). (More information at: http://www.camellia2014.depo.es/
It was a pleasure to participated in the event, in fact some of my previous research was carried out with Dr. Carmen Salinero (President of the Spanish Camellia Society and Director for Spain of the International Camellia Society,Spain). For more information: 
http://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/18/4/4573
http://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/17/6/6716
After Xesus conducted a personal interview with many Camellia producers and beekeepers, field information show him that in Galicia Vespa velutina visit Camellia when flowering. Furthermore, VVQ use Camellia for nesting purpose.
From this point of view, Camellia is a good point to selective trap VVQ at this time of the year.
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Amazing video showing the distinct aggression of the Vespa velutina attacking honey bees...

3/20/2017

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Xesús Feás was involved in delivering a course for Spanish firefighters to help prevent the spread of the Vespa velutina Asian wasp.

2/28/2017

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​Spanish regional government organizes a course aimed at offering a "greater efficiency" in the intervention of the Vespa velutina 

​During the week commencing 27th March 2017 firefighters of the Government of Cantabria, Northern Spain took part in a course to help prevent the spread of the Vespa velutina Asian wasp. The theoretical part of this course was delivered by Xesús Feás, a scientific researcher specializing in the observation of 'Vespa velutina' and methods for controlling the invasive species.
Xesús Feás was involved in delivering a course for Spanish firefighters to help prevent the spread of the Vespa velutina Asian wasp
In Northern Spain the Vespa velutina has become a big problem and during 2016 the emergency services received 2636 calls about the Vespa velutina resulting in 2600 nests being discovered 
During the week a total of 132 personal attended the course where the firefighters were trained to identify the primary and secondary nests of the Asian wasp and to try out actions for the removal of the nests at sometimes 25 meters high.
Spanish regional government organizes a course aimed at offering a
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The Minister of Presidency and Justice, Rafael de la Sierra, attended one of the courses as this is now a huge concern for the Government of Cantabria and for the agricultural economy. Therefore, he has insisted on the need to "put all necessary means and joint actions to stop their spread". He also stressed on the danger of interventions with Asian wasps, a specimen that is poisonous and whose sting can pierce the usual clothes of beekeepers, hence the clothing worn by emergency services should have greater resistance. There is also the added difficulty of most nests being at a high altitude and the need for specialist apparatus required for their removal. The practices that firefighters perform during the removal are executed at about 25 meters in height.

Asian hornet nests can be as high as 25 metres high Xesus Feas
This news was published in vive campo where you can read more...  http://www.vivecampoo.es/noticia/bomberos-112-se-forman-luchar-avispa-asiatica-11561.html
​
And further news can be found at http://www.elperiodico.com/es/sociedad/20170327/los-bomberos-de-cantabria-perfeccionan-sus-competencias-para-luchar-contra-la-avispa-asiatica-5930326 
​or at https://www.mituin.com/articulo/los-137-bomberos-autonomicos-aprenden-a-eliminar-los-nidos-de-avispa-asiatica
​
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Warning over invasion of Asian Hornets which are coming for our bees

2/7/2017

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The Plymouth Herald stated that Westcountry beekeepers are bracing themselves for an invasion of deadly Asian hornets. 
Last autumn an Asian hornet (Vespa velutina  was sighted near Tetbury in Gloucestershire – it was apparently the first sighting in Britain.
Read more
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National Bee Unit

1/19/2017

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National Bee Unit issue:

Asian hornet in the UK: Update and Request for Heightened Vigilance.

During January 2017 The National Bee Unit issued a 'Dear Beekeepers' notice requesting for heightened Vigilance on the Vespa velutina nigrothorax, the yellow-legged hornet (a.k.a the Asian hornet)
​which was first found in the UK in 2016. From findings, the first European sighting of the hornet was reported in France back in 2004. The Vespa velutina has since spread by around 80 to 100 kilometeres per annum, invading Belgium, Germany, Italy Spain and Portugal. They advised that  Adult hornets are voracious predators of our honey bees and other beneficial insects, resulting in colony losses in France.
Scientists from the NBU and Universities of Warwick and Newcastle developed a mathematical model map  that can be used to estimate the hornet spread in the UK based on data on the spread of the Asian hornet in France.

The dark orange squares represent the location of the discovery of the Asian hornet in Tetbury and Somerset. The yellow area defines a boundary, outside of which we would not expect, according to the model, to find a nest.
scientific map showing possible spread of vespa velutina Asian hornet in UK
​Asian hornets were reported near Tetbury, Gloucestershire during in September 2016, and a trapped individual was reported from Somerset. The nest found in Gloucestershire was destroyed by the National Bee Unit Inspectors and members of the Wildlife team in the Animal and Plant Health Agency. Despite extensive field inspections, they advise that no further Asian hornets were sighted in Somerset. However, given the ability of the Asian hornet to spread rapidly means that we must all remain vigilant and aware of any possible activity. 

Asian hornet, Vespa velutina identification sheet
The National Bee Unit have a very helpful Asian hornet identification sheet and poster. Please click on the image to view or download.


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Threat to honeybees as Asian hornet's arrival on UK mainland confirmed

9/20/2016

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The Asian hornet’s long-feared arrival on the UK mainland has been confirmed, government scientists have said, with ecologists warning of dire consequences for honeybees if the species is not swiftly eliminated. The Guardian newspaper published an article in September stating Matt Shardlow, the chief executive of the charity Buglife, said: “It’s really bad news. The ecological impact is that it potentially affects our ability to feed ourselves in the future. Read more here
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International seminar Vespa asiática (V. Velutina nigrithorax): an exotic predator in Europe. What does the future hold?

9/4/2016

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International seminar
Vespa asiática (V. Velutina nigrithorax): an exotic predator in Europe. What does the future hold?

Xesús Feás was recently the chairman involved in the organisation of  an international seminar on the Vespa velutina held at Terra Campus, the University of Santiago de Compostela, in the city of Lugo on the 1st and 2nd of  September 2016. The seminar was entitled: Vespa asiática (V. Velutina nigrithorax): an exotic predator in Europe. What does the future hold?
 
Image ofXesus Feas a scientific researcher on Vespa asiática (V. Velutina nigrithorax): an exotic predator in Europe. Vespa asiática V. velutina nigrithorax
Internation seminar on Vespa asiática (V. Velutina nigrithorax): an exotic predator in Europe. What does the future hold? with Xesus Feas Vespa asiática (V. velutina nigrithorax): un depredador exótico en Europa. ¿Qué nos depara el futuro?
More knowledge of the ecology and behaviour of this invasive pest is essential to provide an effective management program for its control. The seminar brought together awareness about the species, as well as the different experiences of combating the pest in other countries, in order to find possible methods to control its expansion and to mitigate the negative effects in the beekeeping sector and in the environmental field as a whole.
 
The seminar was aimed as a meeting point of scientific dissemination and mutual learning, bringing together: beekeepers, scientists and public administrators. The Seminar offered a great opportunity to share activity developed by beekeepers and administrators, and to exchange views on the research that is carried out against Vespa velutina. It enabled scientists, technicians and beekeepers to combine, unite and communicate findings, sharing information on past experiences and new activities being developed. All this, with the common objective of deepening the knowledge of Vespa velutina and its effects and trying to give answers and solutions to the problem and threat of its extension in Europe.
 
Workshops were held with researchers, beekeepers and public administration to exchange common actions to combat the Vespa velutina, as well as territorial workshops based on the origin of the participants (Portugal, France, Spain and Italy).
 
The EU has called for extensive research and dissemination of scientific knowledge on everything related to beekeeping to generate a general consensus and share appropriate knowledge. Xesús believes this strategy is important going forward allowing adequate dissemination and socialization of scientific results and fostering relationships between scientists and beekeepers alike. The international seminar was a success and the overall spirit was that of a joint projection to unite in the fight against Vespa velutina giving open and honest discussions of the current situation.
 
Xesús Feás

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Deadly Asian Hornets Have Killed 6 In France & last year 28 deaths in China...

4/16/2014

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There are fears that giant Asian hornets responsible for the deaths of six people in France are en route to Britain. The insect’s toxic sting can cause death through anaphylactic shock and kidney failure. Read more
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