More yellow-legged hornets found in Georgia, South Carolina
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - More nests of the invasive and bee-killing yellow-legged hornet have been found in recent days in Georgia and South Carolina.
Five nests were found Aug. 13 and 14 in Savannah and eradicated.
Two of the nests were found in live oaks, one was in a pecan tree, and one was in a shed.
In South Carolina, multiple yellow-legged hornet secondary nests have been destroyed near Hilton Head Island in Beaufort County.
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These are the first secondary nests found in South Carolina. The nests were found in trees.
These nests were found and destroyed after a beekeeper in Beaufort County videoed the hornets attacking his honeybees in what is called “hawking behavior.” The beekeeper then alerted the Clemson University Department of Plant Industry.
“We found an embryo nest in April, but these are the first secondary nests we have found in South Carolina. We urge folks in the Lowcountry, especially the Bluffton and Hilton Head Island areas, to stay vigilant and report any suspicious nests or hornets to us immediately. That is our best shot at controlling this potentially devastating pest,” said Steven Long, assistant director, Clemson DPI in a news release.
Clemson inspectors are asking homeowners to allow access to their property as they continue their search for other nests in Beaufort and Jasper Counties. The inspectors can be identified by badges, or Clemson DPI branded shirts and safety vests.
“If one of our inspectors knocks on your door, or you see them walking your property or neighborhoods, please that they are doing their jobs to protect the state from these hornets and the damage they can do to our beekeeping industry. This will be an ongoing effort,” said Brad Cavin, who coordinates the Clemson University program responsible for fighting the invasive hornets.
The hornets are thought to have hitched a ride into the region on a ship that docked at a Savannah port. They’ve spread from there.
They’re a danger to the agriculture industry because they kill bees, which are crucial for pollination.
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