Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J Harper urged residents on Mar. 30 to watch for yellow-legged hornet nests as overwintering queens begin establishing new colonies across the state. The warning is especially directed at those living in Bryan, Bulloch, Chatham, Effingham, Liberty, and Screven counties. Early detection of embryo and primary nests is critical to preventing the spread of this invasive pest and protecting Georgia’s honeybee population.
The Georgia Department of Agriculture has spent nearly three years tracking, trapping, and working to contain the yellow-legged hornet. According to Harper, “Since August 2023, the GDA’s Plant Protection team has been actively tracking, trapping, and working to eradicate the invasive Yellow-legged Hornet from Georgia.” He continued: “As in previous years, we are asking for the public’s continued help. Early reporting of embryo and primary nests is critical—it allows us to stop queens before they spread and reduces potential damage to our state’s honeybee population. This is especially important for residents of Coastal Georgia… By working together, we can protect Georgia’s number one industry—agriculture.”
Officials say that if a suspected nest is found—especially during early spring when embryo nests appear or late spring into early summer when primary nests are common—residents should not attempt removal themselves but instead contact the GDA Plant Protection team or a licensed pest management professional.
The agency’s focus on protecting agriculture extends beyond pest control; it also enhances community well-being by safeguarding food supplies and supporting local producers according to its official website. The department operates from its main facility at 254 Washington Street S.W. in Atlanta according to its official website.
The Department supports farmers while promoting agricultural products locally and globally according to its official website, regulates animals, food safety standards and pesticides through various programs according to its official website, functions as a key regulatory agency affecting daily life according to its official website, and extends services statewide for farmers’ benefit according to its official website.
Looking ahead, officials stress that public cooperation remains vital for effective long-term control efforts against invasive pests like the yellow-legged hornet.
