This month, the Georgia Department of Agriculture announced the presence of the Yellow Legged Hornet in Savannah, Georgia. It is the first ever sighting of this hornet in the United States. Within days of its discovery, the nest was identified and taken out, but Georgia officials have warned the public to keep looking out for more hornets. This wasp poses a threat to native wildlife and will negatively affect the production of honey in the state if left untreated.
So, what are these hornets and where did they come from? Lavender Pest Control is here to help with a short guide on the Yellow Legged Hornet and explain why it’s a big problem for the state of Georgia.
What is a Yellow Legged Hornet?
The Yellow Legged Hornet, also known as the Asian Hornet, is a species of wasp that is non native to the United States. The hornet is native to southeast Asia, but has somehow been introduced to parts of Europe and now the United States. It is a close relative to the Japanese Giant Hornet, another non-native wasp which was famously spotted in North America in 2019.
Like other wasps, they build large nests above the ground, usually suspended from bushes, trees, or man-made structures. These nests can house a colony containing thousands of them. Yellow Legged Hornets are typically around one inch in length, with distinct yellow legs, a black head and a yellow face.
Is The Yellow Legged Hornet a Pest?
A pest is defined as any living thing that poses a threat to humans, local crops or wildlife. While they don’t pose a huge threat to humans, Yellow Legged Hornets are pests since they prey on honeybee populations and affect the crops in the area. These hornets are extremely territorial and will feed on a variety of insects, many of which are pollinators who play an important role in Georgia’s agricultural industry.
The honeybee population is responsible for Georgia’s production of honey, which is an important part of the state’s culture and economy. Yellow Legged Hornets will raid these honeybee hives, completely eradicating them in a matter of hours. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, bee colonies in the state of Georgia produced about 1,632 tons of honey in 2021, which is valued at nearly $9 million.
Protect Your Home with Lavender Pest Control in Northeast Georgia
The state of Georgia needs the public’s help to combat the presence of the Yellow Legged Hornet. If you believe you have spotted a bee that matches the image or description of a Yellow Legged Hornet, please report your sighting to the Georgia Department of Agriculture.
For other residential pest control services, please email or call Lavender Pest Control in Athens, Georgia. Our licensed technicians will be happy to inspect your home inside and out to design a pest management plan just for you. We also offer special services to combat pests such as mosquitos, fire ants, bed bugs, and more. Contact us today for any questions or a quote request.
