An Asian hornet nest has been destroyed near Leicestershire after a sighting from a member of the public.

Experts were searching for the nest after the sighting was made in Tamworth on September 2.

It is only the 16th time the insects have been spotted in the UK and the second confirmed case this year.

Beekeepers despise the insect as hornets can eat up to 50 bees a day, reports StokeOnTrentLive.

But now, experts have revealed the nest has been destroyed.

A spokesperson from the British Beekeepers Association (BBKA) said: "An Asian Hornet nest has been found and destroyed near Drayton Bassett in Staffordshire. The find was as a result of a member of the public reporting an Asian Hornet. 

"This was the second Asian Hornet reported in the UK in 2019. The first was at New Milton in Hampshire in July again spotted by an alert member of the public."

The BBKA are urging members of the public to report any sightings of an Asian hornet.

You can do this by downloading the Asian Hornet Watch app on your phone.

How to spot an Asian hornet

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

How to report an Asian hornet

If you suspect you have seen an Asian hornet you should report this using the ‘Asian Hornet Watch’ app:

You can also report sightings by email to alertnonnative@ceh.ac.uk. Include information on location, date and number of Asian hornets you have seen. If possible, include a photo to helpexperts identify the insect.

Alternatively, you can fill out an online report form.

If you find a nest, don’t try to remove it yourself – it can be dangerous and should only be done by experts.