GA Dept. of Ag Experts Urge Reporting of Yellow-legged Hornet Embryo Nests

ATLANTA, Ga. – Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J Harper is urging Georgians to stay vigilant for Yellow-legged Hornet (YLH) embryo nests, the initial stage of hornet nest formation, as spring approaches, when Yellow-legged hornets will emerge from overwintering.

Early detection and control of embryo nests is critical, as targeting them now prevents YLH queens from producing workers, ultimately reducing the formation of secondary nests later in the year and making future control efforts more challenging, said the Georgia Department of Agriculture. It is vital that the queen is controlled along with the nest.

“We are continuing to ask for the public’s help in our effort to eradicate the Yellow-Legged Hornet from our state,” said Harper. “By reporting sightings of embryo nests early, we can stop the queens from spreading and minimize the damage they cause. It's crucial that we work together to protect our state’s #1 industry—agriculture.”

What Georgians Can Do:
Stay Alert: Look out for embryo nests, which are typically smaller than primary and secondary nests. Embryo nests can be found in trees, shrubs, or other elevated locations.  

Report Sightings: If you believe you've discovered an embryo 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.

Source: Georgia Department of Agriculture