WARNING : Avoid two-inch long supersized hornets set to plague Britain’s summer evenings

There have been warnings of killer Asian hornets invading Britain during the summer months. Britons have also been warned swarms of flying beasts capable of killing people “with just one sting” could soon cause chaos for those looking to catch a bit of sun. Asian hornets are capable of killing a human, but only if they are allergic to the insect’s sting.

They are rare in this country and have only made a handful of appearances on these shores - according to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), there have been 14 confirmed signings of the Asian Hornet in England since 2016 mainly in the south.

The insect is mostly a worry to beekeepers, as they predominantly feast on honeybees, chopping up the bodies of their victims to feed to their larvae.

Defra’s chief plant health officer Nicola Spence told The times: “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.”

But a similar insect of more concern to Britons and is increasingly common in this country is the European hornet.

They can grow up to two-inches long and have the appearance of a supersize wasp, which itself, has a nasty sting.

The species stings in response to being stepped on or grabbed, and are defensive of their nests, but known to normally avoid conflict.

They often fly in the evenings and can be attracted by bright lights, much like moths are.

But Gavin Broad, the principal curator in charge of insects at the Natural History Museum, warned the sting from a European Hornet can be much worse.

Most cases of stings from European hornets don’t require medical treatment, but victims have been known to suffer tingling at the site of the sting, as well as headaches and shortness of breath.

Mr Broad told The Times: “Its sting is just more powerful than that of a wasp. It can hurt for quite a while.

“I only got stung because I put my hand on him by accident, but I’d go out of my way not to be stung by one again.”

Matt Shardlow, chief executive of invertebrates charity Bug Life, points out however the European Hornet is less likely to sting someone than a wasp or bee.

But he warned they will likely lash out of you get close to or disturb their nest.

He told The Times: “They don’t need to use their sting too much because they are large and intimidating animals.

“If you get close to a European hornet’s nest it will certainly let you know. It doesn’t need to sting you.”