Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries
Biosecurity New Zealand is extending its surveillance zone for yellow-legged hornets (Vespa velutina) on Auckland’s North Shore, following advice from technical experts.
The surveillance zone will extend from 5km to 11km from detection sites on Auckland’s North Shore based on the latest recommendations from an independent technical advisory group, says Mike Inglis, Biosecurity New Zealand commissioner north.
“This will provide greater assurance that the hornet incursion is a single population contained to the local area and allow us to respond quickly if there has been any spread.
“From the very start, Biosecurity New Zealand’s response to the hornet detections has been driven by science and expert advice. This will remain the foundation of our approach moving forward.”
The enhanced surveillance gets underway now, in time for an expected increase in foraging by worker hornets, Mr Inglis says.
“This extended surveillance will involve working closely with more beekeepers – over 575 registered apiaries within the 11km zone. We will be placing traps near hives and providing information to beekeepers on how to monitor and what to look for.”
The technical advisory group last week commended Biosecurity New Zealand for its strong response to date, noting significant progress in locating and destroying hornets and nests.
“This endorsement gives us confidence that our efforts are on the right track and that we’re doing everything possible to contain and eradicate this pest,” Mr Inglis says.
Trapping and ground searches have expanded significantly across Auckland’s North Shore in recent weeks.
Nearly 650 traps have been deployed within a 5km radius of detection sites, and more than 3,500 properties have been searched within 200m of confirmed finds.
To date, 34 queen hornets and 22 nests have been successfully located and destroyed.
“The detections show our surveillance is working well,” Mr Inglis says.
Other recent response activities include:
- using different trap designs and lures (sugar and protein-based)
- ongoing inspections of beehives close to detection sites, along with ground surveys in reserves and residential areas
- launching a national advertising campaign urging the public to report suspected sightings
- purchasing electronic tracking gear that, under the guidance of UK experts, will enable Biosecurity New Zealand to trace nests by attaching transmitters to foraging worker hornets
- continuing to raise public awareness by visiting markets, schools, local businesses, libraries, and other community locations.
Mr Inglis says Biosecurity New Zealand expects to find more hornets over the summer due to increased surveillance.
He stresses the need for the public and beekeepers to remain vigilant.
“We’ve had more than 5,610 public notifications so far. It’s been fantastic to see such enthusiasm. We are very keen for this to continue, as it helps us respond quickly to possible detections.”
When looking for hornets and their nests, we ask people to check common nesting areas such as roof eaves of your house, sheltered entrances, wooden structures, carports, under wooden decks, sheds and outbuildings. Don’t attempt to remove or control a suspected hornet nest yourself. This video helps you know where to look:
Video: Learn where to look for yellow-legged hornet nests – YouTube (1.45)
Biosecurity New Zealand wants to hear from anyone who has a suspected hornet specimen, has located a possible nest, or has taken a clear photo.
You can report sightings:
- online at report.mpi.govt.nz
- by calling Biosecurity New Zealand’s exotic pest and disease hotline on 0800 809 966.
Further information and regular updates on hornet finds
For more information, email: BiosecurityNZ_media@mpi.govt.nz
For further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 008 333 or email info@mpi.govt.nz
For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328.
