TheYellow Legged Hornet Threat
Why Immediate Action Matters
The Yellow-Legged Hornet
The Yellow-Legged Hornet is an aggressive apex predator of honeybees. Unlike native species, these hornets utilize a hunting tactic called "hawking"—hovering right outside hive entrances to capture returning forager bees.
The Escalating Nest Count
Without swift intervention, nest numbers continue to rise year over year:
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2023: 5 Nests Found
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2024: 48 Nests Found
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2025: 63 Nests Found
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2026: 94 Nests Found
Ecological & Economic Impact
Pollinators contribute billions of dollars annually to U.S. agriculture. Losing managed honeybee colonies reduces crop yields, threatens biodiversity, and drives up consumer food costs.
Identifying the Hornet
Yellow-Legged Hornets (Vespa velutina) have distinct yellow lower legs, a dark thorax, and an abdominal segment with a fine yellow-orange band. They are distinct from native U.S. wasps and hornets.