New Invasive Pest Poses Risk to Pollinators—Essential Information Inside

Invasive pests like the spotted lanternfly have arrived in the U.S. via plants, luggage, and shipping containers, often thriving without natural predators. A recent invasive species, the yellow-legged hornet (Vespa velutina), was first identified in Savannah, Georgia, during the summer of 2023. These hornets pose a significant threat as they prey on various insects, particularly honeybees. Lewis Bartlett, an assistant professor at the University of Georgia, notes that they target honeybee colonies in late summer when bees are abundant and other food sources are scarce.