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The UK is bracing itself for an invasion of large Asian hornets with one sting enough to kill.

It will cost the country millions to get rid of the potentially deadly two-inch insects and have a devastating impact on the already-dwindling bee population.

Now experts are once again warning of what is ahead with research suggesting they could cost the UK £7.6million.

Asian hornets are similar to European hornets but they are not native to the UK.

They are large insects, originally from Southeast Asia, that prey on small creatures - especially bees.

Just one sting is enough to kill someone allergic to their venom and the Asian hornet is smaller than our native hornet.

(Image: Wales on Sunday) (Image: defra.gov.uk)

They were accidentally introduced to France from China in 2004 and they have been spreading rapidly throughout Europe ever since.

Experts estimate the Asian hornet colonised most of France at a rate of 60 to 80 kilometres per year.

And the species has swiftly been invading other countries including Spain in 2010, Portugal and Belgium in 2011, Italy in 2012 and Germany in 2014.

The first invasive hornets made it to the UK in 2016.

Now French scientists have evaluated the estimated cost of the invasion to Europe.

(Image: defra.gov.uk) (Image: SWNS)

Professor Franck Courchamp said: "In 2006, only two years after the hornet was first observed in France, three departments were already invaded and the cost of nest destruction was estimated at 408,000 euros.

"Since then, the estimated yearly costs have been increasing by about 450,000 euros each year, as the hornet keeps spreading and invades new departments.

“Definitely more actions need to be taken in order to handle harmful invasive species - one of the greatest threats to biodiversity and ecosystem functioning."

Nicola Spence, Chief Plant Health Officer, said: “By ensuring we are alerted to possible sightings as early as possible, we can take swift and effective action to stamp out the threat posed by Asian hornets.

“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 and other beneficial insects.

"Please continue to look out for any Asian hornets and if you think you’ve spotted one, report your sighting through the Asian hornet app or online.”

(Image: defra.gov.uk)

They analysed the negative impact on ecosystems and the global decline in pollination and honey production.

Attempts to control the invasion concentrate on destroying hornet nests and bait trapping.

But experts say these methods are not enough to completely eradicate the species.

Results estimated yearly cost at £10.5m for France, £8m for Italy and £7.6m for the UK.

In Japan and South Korea, the cost is said to be £17.2m and £10.5m respectively, while in the US it is £23.8m.

The study was published in the journal NeoBiota.

Asian hornet sightings in the UK should be reported using the Asian Hornet Watch app.