Asian Hornets' nest at First Tower

24 August 2018

Police have cordoned off a footpath at First Tower after a maintenance worker at Sun Bowls Club disturbed a nest of Asian Hornets while trimming a hedge and was stung. As the maintenance worker is allergic to wasp stings he was taken to hospital for treatment.

An investigation of the area found the nest close to where he was working. A pest control officer has attended and will arrange to destroy the nest. It can take 48 hours for a nest to be fully destroyed so the officer will try to safely remove it later on when the hornets are all in the nest.

The Bowls Club has temporarily closed and the footpath next to the affected hedgerow has been cordoned off by St Helier Honorary Police. No roads are affected.

As more nests are discovered around the island it is important that people working outdoors take precautions to avoid being stung:

1. Check our web site to help you identify hornets
2. Nests can be in roof spaces of houses/sheds, in trees, hedges and on the ground in brambles. Before starting any work, inspect these areas for flying insects
3. Nests can also fall out of trees during high winds, so take care if you see hornets near the ground

How to identify an Asian Hornet

If you spot an Asian Hornets’ nest, please contact us on 441600.

Asian Hornets aren’t naturally aggressive towards humans, but they may sting if they feel threatened. If you are stung the recommendations are similar to any type of wasp sting:

• remove the sting if it's still in the skin
• wash the affected area with soap and water
• apply a cold compress (a flannel or cloth cooled with cold water) or an ice pack to any swelling for at least 10 minutes
• raise the affected area if possible, as this can help reduce swelling
• avoid scratching the area, to reduce the risk of infection
• avoid traditional home remedies, such as vinegar and bicarbonate of soda, as they're unlikely to help

The pain, swelling and itchiness can sometimes last a few days. Ask your pharmacist about over-the-counter treatments that can help, such as painkillers, creams and antihistamines.

Contact your GP if:

• you're worried about a bite or sting
• your symptoms don't start to improve within a few days or are getting worse
• you've been stung or bitten in your mouth or throat, or near your eyes
• a large area (around 10cm or more) around the bite becomes red and swollen
• you have symptoms of infection, such as pus, increasing pain, swelling or redness
• you have symptoms of fever, swollen glands and other flu-like symptoms

When to get emergency medical help:

Dial 999 for an ambulance immediately if you or someone else has a severe reaction, such as:

• wheezing or difficulty breathing
• a swollen face, mouth or throat
• nausea or vomiting
• a fast heart rate
• dizziness or feeling faint
• difficulty swallowing
• loss of consciousness