Yellow-Legged Hornet Alert: What NZ Beekeepers Need to Know

A new biosecurity threat has arrived on our shores — the Yellow-legged Hornet (Vespa velutina) has been detected in Auckland. While Biosecurity NZ is actively working to eradicate it, every beekeeper’s vigilance will be essential to stop it from spreading.

What Is the Yellow-Legged Hornet?

Originally from Asia, the Yellow-legged Hornet is a highly efficient predator of honeybees and other insects. It was accidentally introduced into Europe about 20 years ago, where it spread rapidly and caused serious losses for beekeepers.

Key identification features:

• Medium-sized hornet (workers ~25 mm; queens up to 30 mm)

• Dark brown/black body with yellow-orange bands on the abdomen

• Bright yellow legs (the most distinctive feature)

• Brown paper-like nest, often high in trees or under roof eaves

  
  

Current Situation in New Zealand

• The hornet has been confirmed on Auckland’s North Shore (Glenfield and Birkdale).

• Several queens and two nests have already been found and destroyed.

• The goal is complete eradication before the species can establish and spread further.

For updates, see: mpi.govt.nz/yellow-legged-hornet

These hornets are bee hunters. They hover in front of hive entrances, snatching returning foragers mid-air. A few hornets can severely stress a colony; a sustained attack can wipe it out completely.

Risks include:

• Loss of worker bees

• Weakening of colonies going into winter

• Disruption of pollination services

In Europe, a single hornet colony can kill thousands of bees per day.

What Beekeepers Should Do

1. Know what to look for - Familiarise yourself with the hornet’s size, colour, and nesting habits. Keep photos or the MPI flyer handy for quick reference.

2. Watch your hives - Report any large dark hornets hovering near entrances or feeding on bee remains. Take a clear photo if safe to do so.

3. What to look for - Papery nests in trees, sheds, garages, or under eaves.

4. Report immediately - Call 0800 80 99 66 or use the Biose if you suspect a hornet or nest. Do not attempt removal yourself — these insects can be aggressive in groups.

5. If you find none - Good

Inspect the apiary surroundings weekly during spring/summer. Photograph and report any unusual hornet-like insects. Keep hive entrances reduced if predation is suspected. Stay informed via local beekeeping associations and MPI updates.

How to Make a Simple Yellow-Legged Hornet Trap

These traps can help monitor and reduce local hornets number

What you need:

• A 1.5 L or 2 L plastic bottle (e.g. soft drink bottle)

• Scissors or a craft knife

• String or wire for hanging

• Bait mixture (see below)

Steps:

1. Cut the top third of the bottle off (just below the neck).

2. Invert the top section and place it upside down inside the lower part (funnel-style).

3. Make two small holes near the rim and thread string or wire through for hanging.

4. Pour in about 5 cm of bait.

5. Hang traps 1.5–2 m high, in sunny but sheltered spots — near apiaries, compost heaps, or flowering plants that attract insects.

Recommended composition of hornet bait:

• 100 mL dark beer or apple cider

• 50 mL fruit juice (especially orange or cranberry)

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• A dash of vinegar (helps deter honeybees)

Replace the bait every 7–10 days. Dispose of any trapped insects carefully — record, photograph, and report if you suspect yellow-legged hornets.

Spread the Word

Please share this information with other beekeepers, schools, and neighbours — awareness is our best defence. Early detection is the key to protecting New Zealand’s bees and honey industry.