The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) is ramping up its efforts to combat the invasive Yellow-legged Hornet, also known as the Asian predatory hornet, following a confirmed sighting in Savannah in August 2023. With the arrival of warmer temperatures, the GDA is urging residents to be vigilant and report any sightings of the hornets or their nests to help protect Georgia’s vital pollinator populations and the state’s agricultural industry.

These hornets pose a significant threat to local pollinators, which are crucial for the success of Georgia’s agricultural sector. According to Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper, early detection and intervention are key to controlling the spread of these invasive pests. “By reporting sightings of embryo nests early, we can stop the queens from spreading and minimize the damage they cause,” Harper stated. Currently, as the Yellow-legged Hornets emerge from overwintering, they begin establishing embryo nests. The GDA is urging residents to keep an eye out for these smaller, initial nests, which can be found in sheltered spots like eaves. The GDA emphasizes that residents should NOT attempt to handle the hornets or their nests themselves. Untrained attempts to remove the nests could lead to the queen relocating and continuing the nest-building cycle. Instead, citizens who spot the hornets or their nests should contact the Plant Protection Division or a licensed pest management professional to ensure the problem is handled safely and effectively.

Suspected sightings of Yellow-legged Hornets or embryo nests can be reported to the Plant Protection team via email at yellow.legged.hornet@agr.georgia.gov. For detailed information on identifying and reporting these hornets, residents are encouraged to visit the GDA’s dedicated hornet webpage. The GDA emphasizes the importance of vigilance during March and April, as this is when the queen hornets are most active in building their nests, offering the best opportunity to prevent a full-blown infestation. By working together, the GDA and Georgia residents can protect the state’s vital agricultural industry from this invasive threat.