Urgent Calls for Action as Yellow-Legged Hornets Threaten New Zealand’s Ecosystem
A growing chorus of concern is demanding a more aggressive response to the incursion of the yellow-legged hornet into New Zealand, with critics alleging a slow and inadequate reaction from authorities. The invasive species, capable of decimating bee populations and disrupting agricultural industries, is currently believed to be contained within the Auckland region, but experts warn swift action is crucial to prevent widespread establishment.
A former beekeeper, deeply familiar with the threats posed by invasive insects, sharply challenged the Ministry for Primary Industries’ (MPI) earlier assertions that suitable traps for the hornets were unavailable. “They clearly haven’t done their research,” the beekeeper stated, highlighting readily available methods used successfully in other countries.
Despite the criticism, there is agreement that the current situation remains localized. According to reports, the hornets’ queens typically disperse only a few kilometers – up to 10km – from their colonies at the end of summer. “It would be unlikely they are out of the Auckland region,” the beekeeper conceded, but cautioned, “They will be widespread in no time if MPI doesn’t get on to it this summer.”
The initial discovery of male hornets in Grafton and Albany earlier this year prompted a response from MPI focused on public education and pamphlet distribution, a strategy the beekeeper condemned as insufficient. In a letter to MPI, the beekeeper argued, “There are multiple examples from overseas where people use traps baited with a sugary, beer syrup mix to catch emerging queens right as they come out of hibernation. Why were such traps not deployed throughout the region for this spring? You’ve had all winter to prepare as soon as the first males were found.”
The beekeeper advocates for a comprehensive grid of traps across the affected region, utilizing sweet baits to attract queens and protein baits for worker hornets. “If any worker hornets are found, you’ll know there’s a nest nearby, and you can then send in teams to locate and eliminate it, and do targeted aerial spraying,” they explained.
The potential consequences of inaction are severe. The presence of these hornets near beehives causes bees to cease foraging and egg-laying, leading to colony collapse. “They become weaker and weaker and, eventually, their entire colonies collapse – a disaster for our horticulture and farming industries,” the beekeeper warned. The impact has already been devastating in countries like France, where the hornets have caused millions of dollars in agricultural losses and disrupted entire ecosystems. The beekeeper pointed to the aggressive eradication efforts in the United States, involving hundreds of deployed traps and nest destruction, as a model for New Zealand. “That’s the kind of response we need here – fast, co-ordinated, and backed by serious funding.”
The beekeeper further called for a reversal of recent cuts to MPI funding, arguing that “millions must be allocated in emergency funding, immediately. This threat demands a far more serious response than the fruit fly incursion.”
BioNZ Commissioner North Mike Inglis acknowledged the strong public response, with over 800 notifications received since October 17th. “We believe it’s unlikely hornets are present outside the area we are currently targeting around Glenfield. However, we ask all Aucklanders to remain vigilant and report any suspected hornet or nest sightings,” Inglis stated.
Trapping efforts are now underway, guided by public notifications. “There is no specific trap for this hornet currently in New Zealand, so we are testing different options to see what works best. We believe sugar-based traps will be most effective at this stage,” Inglis added.
Anyone suspecting they’ve caught a yellow-legged hornet is urged to take a clear photo and report it online at report.mpi.govt.nz/pest or call 0800 80 99 66. BioNZ officials confirmed the species is a known “hitchhiker pest,” originating in Southeast Asia and spreading to Europe and the United States.
The situation remains fluid, and the coming months will be critical in determining whether New Zealand can successfully contain this emerging threat to its biodiversity and agricultural sector.
