A “deadly” breed of hornets has invaded Georgia and officials are fighting to stop the rapid population increase before the insects wreak havoc on the state’s agricultural industry.
The yellow-legged hornet has been detected in at least twelve different locations in the surrounding Savannah area since the insect first appeared in the Peach State last month, the Georgia Department of Agriculture announced Wednesday.
The wasp species, and a close relative of the murder hornet, is an invasive species that originates in Southeast Asia and feeds on bees and other pollinators that power Georgia’s agricultural industry, the state’s main economic source.
“While not posing a serious risk to humans, pets and livestock, this hornet has proven to be a deadly predator of bees and other pollinators in Europe and Asia,” said Dr. Keith Delaplane, director of the Bee Program. from the University of Georgia. he said in a statement.
“An ideal scenario would be the discovery and eradication of all established nests before colonies have time to emit new queens that overwinter and begin the life cycle again next spring.”
Yellow-legged hornets have been detected in at least 12 locations around Savannah, Georgia. Georgia Department of Agriculture
The first yellow-legged hornet was discovered by a beekeeper in Savannah on August 9, who noticed an “unusual” insect on his property.
Since then, officials have discovered and immediately destroyed at least two nests, each typically housing up to 6,000 workers, both on Wilmington Island, a community 10 miles east of Savannah.
Although researchers are still waiting for DNA results from the second hive, genetics from the first nest suggest the hornets originated in Asia.
Insects feed on bees and other pollinators. Georgia Department of Agriculture
DNA from the first nest suggests the hornets originated in Asia. Georgia Department of Agriculture
The state Department of Agriculture deployed several teams to the Savannah area dedicated to capturing and inspecting additional nests. At least 134 traps have been placed around the detection area.
Authorities are asking the public to report any sightings of invasive insects, but to be careful not to kill them on sight: Georgia is home to several native wasps that can look a lot like the bloodthirsty yellow-legged insects.
At least two nests have been discovered and destroyed on Wilmington Island. Georgia Department of Agriculture
Invasive species like the yellow-legged wasp and the hated spotted lanternfly cost the world at least $423 billion each year, according to a United Nations-backed report released last week.
More than 37,000 exotic species are wreaking havoc in foreign lands after being introduced by human activities, threatening animal extinction, food insecurity and environmental disasters.
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Source: vtt.edu.vn