Beaufort County, South Carolina, residents are being urged to stay alert for a hornet that officials say could impact important local pollinators.
What's happening?
According to WJCL, South Carolina officials want residents to flag any suspected yellow-legged hornets or nests.
Clemson's Department of Plant Industry says that the insects should be reported so trained professionals can remove them. WJCL noted that nest removals in Beaufort County increased from 16 in 2024 to more than 400 in 2026.
Anyone who thinks they may have seen a yellow-legged hornet is being asked to submit a report to Clemson's Department of Plant Industry. The agency is also offering resources to help residents identify the species.
Why does it matter?
Yellow-legged hornets could significantly affect local pollinators, which are important to both agriculture and the broader ecosystem.
When pollinator populations decline, the effects can spread widely. Many plants rely on them to reproduce, and farmers depend on healthy pollinator populations to support many crops. A growing hornet presence could put additional strain on systems that are already vital to biodiversity and the food supply.
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Hornet nests can also be dangerous to approach, particularly for people with allergies or for anyone outside.
What can I do?
Clemson's Department of Plant Industry said residents should leave any suspected yellow-legged hornet nest alone and let trained crews handle the removal, as reported by WJCL. Officials say that approach is safer and allows the insects to be managed and tracked properly.
If you spot a hornet or nest that seems suspicious, submit a report through the department instead of trying to handle it yourself.
Clemson also points residents to its invasive species resources for help recognizing yellow-legged hornets. Knowing how to identify them can reduce confusion with local insects and make public reports more accurate.
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