THEIR population is already struggling.

Not so long since the varroa mite was being reported as a dangerous threat to the already dwindling honey bee population.

Now The National Bee Unit is warning of another danger in the midst following a confirmed sighting of an Asian hornet in the Tetbury area of Gloucestershire - the first time the hornet has been discovered in the UK.

It is currently undergoing DNA testing at the National Bee Unit in North Yorkshire to help establish how it arrived in the UK.

The Asian hornet is smaller than our native hornet and poses no greater risk to human health than a bee, but they do pose a risk to honey bees.

Work to identify, destroy and remove any nests is already underway including setting up a three mile surveillance zone around Tetbury, opening a local control centre to coordinate the response; deploying bee inspectors across the area who will use infrared cameras and traps to locate any nests and readying nest disposal experts who will use pesticides to kill the hornets and destroy any nests.

Nicola Spence, Defra Deputy Director for Plant and Bee Health, says: "We have been anticipating the arrival of the Asian hornet for some years and have a well-established protocol in place to eradicate them and control any potential spread.

"It is important to remember they pose no greater risk to human health than a bee, though we recognise the damage they can cause to honey bee colonies. That's why we are taking swift and robust action to identify and destroy any nests.

"We remain vigilant across the country, working closely with the National Bee Unit and their nationwide network of bee inspectors."

A local control centre has been opened near Tetbury and bee inspectors from around England are closely monitoring a three mile radius around the initial sighting.

Here in Bradford, the Bradford Beekeepers Association, are playing their part, along with other bee-keeping organisations - to help protect their hives from the hornet.

The BBKA apiary off Tong Street is now earmarked as a 'sentinel apiary.'

Bill Cadmore, the association's training officer, explains they are purposely on the look-out for the Asian hornet and have set up traps near the hives in case they come into the area.

He says being a 'sentinel apiary' is an important role but there are many other bee-keeping organisations across the country who are also involved in helping to tackle the potential invaders.

"We are taking the lead and we have already sent an email out to our members telling them what is happening and what the National Bee Unit are doing about it," says Bill.

He explains how the Asian hornet captures the flying bee on its wing. According to Bill the insect could easily wipe out a hive.

As well as the prevention and protection work they are carrying out around their own apiary, the association is also distributing photographs and descriptions of the Asian hornet to everyone so they are award of what to look out for.

Bill believes changes in the weather could have played a part in the Asian hornet's arrival. "The weather is getting warmer and their range spreads. It is to do with the change in temperature."

Of course, we can all do our bit to help protect our bee population. Bill explains there are apps available to help members of the public to identify the Asian hornet.

The British Beekeepers Association website has issued this description of an Asian hornet: Vespa velutina queens are up to three centimetres in length; workers are up to 25mm (slightly smaller than the native European hornet Vespa crabro); They are entirely dark brown or black velvety body, bordered with a fine yellow band; There is only one band on the abdomen: 4th abdominal segment is almost entirely yellow/orange; their legs are brown with yellow ends; they have a black head and an orange-yellow face. Vespa velutina is a day flying species which, unlike the European hornet, ceases activity at dusk.

It says the 'Asian hornet' is an invasive non-native species from Asia which has recently arrived in France where it is spreading rapidly and can cause significant losses to honey bee colonies, other native species and potentially ecosystems.

For more information visit DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) at gov.uk; bbka.org.uk or bradfordbeekeepers.org.uk