The yellow-legged hornet, if not controlled, could endanger not only pollination in our yards, but also crops in the U.S., too. The insect feeds on pollinating insects — including honeybees — and poses a significant threat when its numbers increase.
That's why those threatened by an invasion in certain parts of the U.S., are being asked to report sightings.
One of the yellow-legged hornet’s favorite suppers is a super pollinator: the honeybee. If left to establish in the U.S., it could threaten “domestic and feral honeybees — some of which are already endangered,” according to the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services.
With a potential threat to agricultural crops if the yellow-legged hornet is left to breed, its presence is taken extremely seriously. The first sighting of the non-native insect was reported in Georgia in 2023, and the insect's presence is being closely monitored.
During August 2025, Georgia’s Department of Agriculture reported the capture of 990 insects and the removal of 18 of their nests.
Apart from a threat to crops, the yellow-legged hornet is also at risk of harming the beekeeping and honey sectors. And the yellow-legged hornet has killed or weakened 30% of honeybee colonies in France. What’s more, one yellow-legged hornet can kill dozens of honeybees in a single day.
How to spot a yellow-legged hornet
The yellow-legged hornet is between 0.7 and 1 inch long and is mostly black with some front-facing yellow or orange and black eyes. Its thorax is mostly solid dark brown or black, and its abdomen has alternating bands of dark brown or black and yellow or orange, which is its most distinguishing feature. Its legs are brown or black and end in yellow segments away from the body.
You’ll find its paper-like nest hanging in trees and on structures, such as barns, garages, and sheds. And each nest can contain up to 6,000 workers.
What to do if you spot a yellow-legged hornet
Georgia’s Department of Agriculture asks that if you’ve spotted a yellow-legged hornet in your area, you complete this online form and submit any photographic material, if it’s safe to do so. However, it does mention that many domestic lookalikes are native to the United States and do not pose a threat to honeybees, with many of them being valuable pollinators.
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