Georgia’s agriculture officials are requesting vigilance from residents regarding the presence of Yellow-legged Hornet nests, particularly primary nests which emerge in the late spring and early summer. Commissioner Tyler J Harper emphasizes the importance of the early identification and removal of these nests to prevent the hornets from developing larger secondary nests later in the season, which pose a greater danger to Georgia’s agriculture industry.
“We are continuing to ask for the public’s help in our effort to eradicate the Yellow-legged Hornet from our state,” Harper stated. He explained that early reports of embryo and primary nests aid in controlling the species’ spread, thus affecting the larger secondary nests’ establishment. Harper added, “It’s crucial that we act swiftly and work together to protect Georgia’s number one industry – agriculture.”
Residents are advised to be vigilant for primary nests, which tend to be larger than embryo nests but smaller than secondary nests. These nests can be found in elevated places like trees and shrubs. The agriculture department cautions against attempting to remove any nests independently. Instead, they urge the public to report nest sightings by contacting the GDA Plant Protection Division or a certified pest management expert to ensure proper extermination of the hornet queen.
For additional information about the Yellow-legged Hornets, residents can visit the agriculture department’s dedicated webpage.
