Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J. Harper is calling on residents to be vigilant and report any sightings of Yellow-legged Hornet (YLH) primary nests. These nests are expected to begin appearing in late spring and early summer. Early detection and removal are critical to preventing the establishment of larger, secondary nests later in the season.

“We are continuing to ask for the public’s help in our effort to eradicate the Yellow-legged Hornet from our state,” said Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J. Harper. “By reporting sightings of early-season nests – both embryo and now primary nests – we can stop Yellow-legged Hornets before they establish the larger secondary nest. It’s crucial that we act swiftly and work together to protect Georgia’s number one industry – agriculture.” Primary nests, though larger than the initial embryo nests, are still considerably smaller than the secondary nests that can house a significant population of these invasive hornets. They are typically found in trees, shrubs, and other elevated locations.

The Georgia Department of Agriculture urges residents to take the following actions:

Stay Alert: Be on the lookout for primary Yellow-legged Hornet nests in your yards and surrounding areas.

Report Sightings: If you suspect you have found a YLH nest, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REMOVE IT YOURSELF. Contact the GDA Plant Protection Division immediately at yellow.legged.hornet@agr.georgia.gov or reach out to a licensed pest management professional.

It is essential to ensure the queen hornet is properly eradicated to prevent the nest from re-establishing. The Yellow-legged Hornet is an invasive species that poses a significant threat to Georgia’s agriculture industry. Early intervention is the most effective way to control its spread and protect the state’s valuable crops and ecosystems. For more information about the Yellow-legged Hornet, please visit HERE.