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A terrifyingly large wasp has "scared the living daylights" out of a Yeovil resident who found it in her lounge.

Katie Dibley posted pictures of the insect, which she said was around one and a half inches in size, on Facebook.

There were fears that it was a deadly Asian hornet which, according to The Mirror , have a sting so strong that people can die within minutes.

It reportedly causes victims who are attacked go into anaphylactic shock.

They are also a threat to honey bees, as they can destroy a hive of 30,000 within hours.

The hornets are heading towards the UK because of warm and humid weather over the Bank Holiday weekend.

A swarm was allegedly spotted in Cornwall recently, when 23-year-old Tom Wharton saw the "deadly looking things" at a yacht harbour in Truro.

Thankfully, the Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) identified Katie's sighting as a giant woodwasp.

Also known as horntails, they are harmless but often get mistaken for hornets because of their similar appearance.

They are found throughout the UK and most often seen from May to October.

Defra also downplayed the danger of Asian hornets.

Nicola Spence, Defra deputy director for plant and bee health, said: "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."

Following the successful containment of the Asian hornet incursion in North Devon last year, we have a well-established protocol in place to eradicate them and control any potential spread.

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

What should I do if I spot an Asian hornet?

Defra advises anybody who spots an Asian hornet to report it using the 'Asian Hornet Watch' app, available on iPhone and Android, or by emailing alertnonnative@ceh.ac.uk.