Hornets stirred up by make up

By Ania Lichtarowicz
BBC health reporter

A common ingredient in cosmetics and fast food could confuse hornets and make them much more likely to sting someone.

According to Japanese research published in the journal Nature, a chemical in hornet's venom is similar to an additive used in certain foods and fragrances, and could provoke the insects into attacking humans.

Up to 74 people die each year in Japan after being stung by insects - mainly hornets.

Now scientists from Tokyo believe they may have an explanation as to why these insects can suddenly attack humans without apparent provocation.

It appears that a common ingredient of cosmetics, fragrances and some manufactured foods can throw hornets into what the scientists describe as a defensive rage.

The insects release a similar chemical, or pheromone, when they are threatened to that found in some of these products. The researchers discovered this alarm pheromone in the venom of the world's largest hornet, Vespa mandarinia.

Further work shows that this volatile component is also found in the venom of all seven Japanese hornet insects.

The scientists are now questioning whether it would be sensible to screen cosmetics and processed food for the presence of pheromone-like chemicals that might act as an alarm signal to dangerous insects.