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Massive nest belonging to invasive hornet found in Georgia
The yellow-legged hornet eats honey bees and is a cousin to the giant Asian hornet, commonly referred to as ‘murder hornets.’
Nests belonging to the invasive yellow-legged hornet have been found in Chatham County, Georgia. Video shared by the Georgia Department of Agriculture (seen above) shows crews removing a nest high in a tree on Whitemarsh Island.The invasive insect eats honey bees and is a cousin to the giant Asian hornet, commonly referred to as ‘murder hornets.’ GDA says five nests were found and removed this week. The nest on Whitemarsh Island was twice the size of a basketball.The yellow-legged hornet is a social wasp species that constructs egg-shaped paper nests above ground, often in trees. These nests can become large, housing an average of 6,000 workers. The yellow-legged hornet is native to tropical and subtropical areas of Southeast Asia. It is also established in most of Europe, parts of the Middle East, and parts of Asia where it isn’t native.The GDA says this could have a big impact on the state’s agriculture if it’s not eradicated.If you spot one, do not approach or attempt to remove it. Instead, take note of its location and appearance. Report sightings immediately to the Georgia Department of Agriculture at 404-656-3645. If you are stung, move to a safe area to avoid additional stings, wash the sting site with soap and water and apply a cold pack to reduce swelling.Also, seek medical attention immediately, especially if you experience difficulty breathing, swelling or other severe symptoms.
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Nests belonging to the invasive yellow-legged hornet have been found in Chatham County, Georgia.
Video shared by the Georgia Department of Agriculture (seen above) shows crews removing a nest high in a tree on Whitemarsh Island.
The invasive insect eats honey bees and is a cousin to the giant Asian hornet, commonly referred to as ‘murder hornets.’
GDA says five nests were found and removed this week. The nest on Whitemarsh Island was twice the size of a basketball.
The yellow-legged hornet is a social wasp species that constructs egg-shaped paper nests above ground, often in trees. These nests can become large, housing an average of 6,000 workers. The yellow-legged hornet is native to tropical and subtropical areas of Southeast Asia. It is also established in most of Europe, parts of the Middle East, and parts of Asia where it isn’t native.
The GDA says this could have a big impact on the state’s agriculture if it’s not eradicated.
If you spot one, do not approach or attempt to remove it. Instead, take note of its location and appearance. Report sightings immediately to the Georgia Department of Agriculture at 404-656-3645.
If you are stung, move to a safe area to avoid additional stings, wash the sting site with soap and water and apply a cold pack to reduce swelling.
Also, seek medical attention immediately, especially if you experience difficulty breathing, swelling or other severe symptoms.
