ATLANTA, GA – Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J Harper is urging all Georgians, but especially residents of Bryan, Bulloch, Chatham, Effingham, Liberty, and Screven Counties, to remain vigilant for Yellow-legged Hornet (YLH) embryo and primary nests as overwintering queens emerge and begin establishing new nests. For nearly three years, the Georgia Department of Agriculture has worked aggressively to track, trap, and contain this invasive pest—but continued public support is essential to limit its spread. Early detection and reporting of these nests—the first stages of nest development—are critical, as eliminating them now stops queens from producing workers, reducing the risk of larger secondary nests later in the year and making long-term control efforts more effective.
“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,” said Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J Harper. “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, particularly in Bryan, Bulloch, Chatham, Effingham, Liberty, and Screven counties, to remain vigilant. By working together, we can protect Georgia’s number one industry—agriculture.”
What Georgians Can Do:
- Stay Alert: If you believe you've discovered an embryo or primary nest, do not attempt to remove it yourself. Contact the GDA Plant Protection team at yellow.legged.hornet@agr.georgia.gov or a licensed pest management professional to ensure the queen is properly eradicated.
