Fight continues against yellow-legged hornet in Georgia
Bees threatened by invasive yellow-legged hornet
State agriculture officials say they have made a big step in the fight in the eradication of the invasive yellow-legged hornet on Wednesday. The hornets somehow made its way to the U.S. and was spotted in the Savannah area. If left unchecked, the hornet can threaten the bee population and eventually cause a major impact on the agriculture industry in Georgia as a whole.
ATLANTA - Officials have destroyed a second yellow-legged hornet nest, also in the Savannah area. The invasive hornet is a predator, which experts say, if left unchecked, not only will kill off the bee population, but also could impact the agriculture industry throughout Georgia.
The invasive insect was first spotted in the United States in the Savannah area in August. Since then, efforts have been underway to eradicate the insect before they spread to the rest of the state.
The hornet is about an inch long, but its small size can cause quite the problem for bees.
Peter Helfrich is a beekeeper in Decatur and says he is watching what is going on with the invasive hornets because it is yet another thing that could impact his colonies.
"Bees are a challenge, the learning curve on beekeeping is long and steep, but it's very rewarding to feel like you're interacting and working with these tiny creatures," he said.
Agriculture is Georgia’s number one industry and bees are vital to it, but they face a new threat from the invasive yellow-legged hornet. The insect originally from Asia was first found in the U.S. near Savannah. Experts say the insect could threaten pollinators.
"This is a different type of hornet and can have detrimental impact on our agricultural industry," said Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper.
Since first being spotted, scientists have tracked down and destroyed two nests. The most recent one was found Friday under a bridge on Wilmington Island near Savannah.
Officials say this new nest was not reproducing yet, which is good news in the eradication fight.
"We're using all the technologies and all the tools available to fight this," said Dr. Tim Davis from the University of Georgia Extension Office.
Scientists have put out deployed 134 traps and there have been 12 confirmed sightings of the hornets. They are also plans to start putting trackers on captured hornets to hopefully lead them to other nests.
It is unclear how the hornets got to Georgia, but for now those on the frontlines believe it has been contained to the Savannah area.
"The last thing beekeepers and farmers in Georgia need is yet another invasive insect that would prey on honeybees and other pollinating insects," Helfrich said.
A Savannah area beekeeper was the first person to spot a hornet.
Officials are asking people throughout the state to be on the lookout.
It is important to note they do not believe the hornet is a threat to humans.
Sightings can be reported here.