ATLANTA, GA – Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J Harper is urging residents across the state, but especially in the Savannah area, to remain alert and report sightings of Yellow-legged Hornet (YLH) primary nests as they begin to appear in late spring and early summer. Early identification and removal of these nests are essential to preventing the formation of secondary nests later in the season, which are significantly larger. Effective intervention now can stop the spread of this invasive species and help protect Georgia agriculture.
“We are continuing to ask for the public’s help in our effort to eradicate the Yellow-legged Hornet from our state,” said Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J Harper. “By reporting sightings of early-season embryo nests—and now primary nests—we can stop Yellow-legged Hornets before they establish the larger secondary nest. It’s crucial that we act swiftly and work together to protect Georgia’s number one industry - agriculture.”
What Georgians Can Do:
- Stay Alert: Look out for primary nests, which are typically bigger than embryo nests but significantly smaller than secondary nests. Primary nests can be found in trees, shrubs, or other elevated locations.
- Report Sightings: If you believe you've discovered a Yellow-legged Hornet nest, do not attempt to remove it yourself. Contact the GDA Plant Protection Division at yellow.legged.hornet@agr.georgia.gov or a licensed pest management professional to ensure the queen is properly eradicated.
For more information about yellow-legged hornets, visit https://agr.georgia.gov/yellow-legged-hornet.
###