Large hornets have been spotted in Hampshire as sightings spike.

A European hornet made its way into a home in Romsey earlier this month.

Questions were asked about the insect, and whether it was linked to the predatory Asian hornet.

It comes after a similar sighting in Bishop’s Waltham.

But the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust said there is nothing to fear.

Although the European hornet is becoming increasingly more common as the UK’s native hornet, it is an endangered species.

A spokesperson from the trust said: “The European hornet may look more fearsome than their bee and wasp cousin.

“However, it is rarely aggressive, they are likely to only attack if they feel threatened.

“The simplest way to manage a European hornet nest is to leave it alone until cold weather forces them to die or move on.

“Minimising outdoor night lighting will also help to avoid attracting them.

“The European hornet is mostly pale yellow with black stripes on its abdomen. Its head is yellow and red, whilst its thorax and legs are black/reddish brown.

“Some other insects, including the hornet moth and hornet mimic hoverfly, are completely harmless but have copied the European hornet’s appearance; a clever strategy to give the impression of danger.”

Hornets are active between May and November which may account for their recent sightings.

The hornet queen is the sole survivor of a UK winter and emerge as the weather finally starts to warm up in early spring.

Unlike other members of the wasp family, hornets are attracted to light.

This behavioural trait means that on warm light evenings, they may be fly to a well-lit dwelling if their nest is nearby.