Officials with Clemson University’s Department of Plant Industry (DPI) have confirmed a nest of invasive yellow-legged hornets in York County, marking the first detection of the species or a nest outside the South Carolina Lowcountry.
DPI responded after a local beekeeper observed aggressive hornet behavior on Monday, December 8. The hornets were “hawking,” a predatory tactic where they hover over hives and capture bees in midair. Inspectors used trapping and tracking methods to locate the nest, which will be removed later this week.
The yellow-legged hornet, originally from Southeast Asia, poses a serious threat to pollinators. The first North American colony was confirmed in Savannah, Georgia, in 2023. The hornet preys on social bees and wasps, including western honeybees. It spread rapidly across Western Europe after its introduction in 2004, contributing to significant hive losses reported by beekeepers.
State officials warn that establishment of the hornet in the U.S. could endanger already stressed pollinator populations. DPI urges residents to stay alert and report any suspected hornets, nests, or hawking activity through the agency’s online reporting tool. Photos should be included when possible. Officials emphasize that nests should not be disturbed so trained inspectors can safely remove and dispose of the insects.
