The North Carolina Department of Agriculture is advising residents to be vigilant for early-stage nests of yellow-legged hornets in the Carolinas. The invasive species has already been found spreading across South Carolina and Georgia.
The yellow-legged hornet, native to Southeast Asia, poses a significant threat to wild honeybees. While they are not overly dangerous to humans, their impact on bee populations could be devastating.
According to the University of Clemson in South Carolina, “The yellow-legged hornet (YLH), Vespa velutina nigrithorax, is of great concern to beekeepers worldwide. They are large enough to overpower most other insects and have an exoskeleton thick enough to ward off other stinging insects.”
Yellow-legged hornets, as the name suggests, have bright yellow legs. They are also larger than other stinging insects, making them easier to identify.
If you find a suspected yellow-legged hornet, please send a photo to your regional apiary inspector here.
If you suspect you have found a nest, it is important to leave it undisturbed. Experts are also urging residents to contact professionals for proper disposal.
