07/29/2026
🚨 Attention Beekeepers 🚨
The yellow-legged hornet is an invasive species that has the potential to cause serious damage to our local agriculture.
Unlike many native wasps, these hornets actively hunt honey bees at the entrance of hives, making it difficult for bees to forage and return with pollen. Over time, this can weaken or even destroy entire colonies.
Why does this matter?
🌻 Fewer pollinators means reduced pollination.
🐝 Weaker bee populations can impact honey production.
🌽 Fruit, vegetable, and crop yields may suffer due to decreased pollination.
What to look for:
• Black or very dark body
• Distinct yellow legs
• Orange-yellow band near the end of the abdomen
• Nests often found high in trees, dense vegetation, or on structures
If you believe you’ve found a yellow-legged hornet or its nest:
📸 Take a photo from a safe distance.
🚫 Do not disturb the nest.
📞 Report the sighting to your state’s agriculture department or cooperative extension office so it can be properly identified and managed.
Protecting pollinators protects our farms, gardens, and food supply. Early detection is one of the best tools we have to slow the spread of this invasive pest.
