As spring arrives in Georgia, Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper is calling on residents to be vigilant in spotting and reporting embryo nests of the invasive Yellow-Legged Hornet (YLH). These nests, which typically appear in March and April, are about the size of a ping-pong or tennis ball and are often found in sheltered areas like under eaves.

The early detection and reporting of these embryo nests are crucial to preventing larger infestations of the hornets, which pose a significant threat to Georgia agriculture. According to Harper, targeting these initial nests prevents the queen hornet from producing worker hornets, thus limiting the formation of larger secondary nests later in the year. “We are continuing to ask for the public’s help in our effort to eradicate the Yellow-Legged Hornet from our state,” said Harper. “By reporting sightings of embryo nests early, we can stop the queens from spreading and minimize the damage they cause. It’s crucial that we work together to protect our state’s No. 1 industry—agriculture.”

Residents who spot a potential YLH embryo nest are urged not to attempt to remove it themselves. Instead, they should immediately report the sighting to the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s Plant Protection Division at yellow.legged.hornet@agr.georgia.gov. Alternatively, residents can contact a licensed pest management professional. Officials emphasize the importance of eradicating the queen hornet along with the nest to ensure complete removal.

For more information about the Yellow-Legged Hornet and how to identify embryo nests, visit the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s website HERE