Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries
Biosecurity New Zealand is asking Aucklanders to remain vigilant for yellow-legged hornets (Vespa velutina) on the North Shore.
“We’ve had a fantastic response so far from the public to our request for help with surveillance. To date, we’ve received more than 1,000 notifications via email and phone with no new confirmed finds since the weekend,” says Mike Inglis, North commissioner, Biosecurity New Zealand.
Since 17 October, Biosecurity New Zealand has found 4 confirmed queen hornets and safely removed their nests. Three were detected in Glenfield and one in Birkdale, about 1.3 km from the initial detection in Glenfield.
“To support surveillance, Biosecurity New Zealand is laying traps in a measured way in areas where females have been found. By the end of today, we will have 120 traps in the field.
“This is the first time we’ve found yellow-legged hornets in New Zealand. We responded quickly to this threat, but we continue to need the public’s help to eliminate any further risk,” Mr Inglis says.
“Many countries throughout Europe and Asia have yellow-legged hornet and manage it. However, we don’t want it here and that is why we’re tracking it down.”
Yellow-legged hornets pose a biosecurity risk because of their potential impact on honeybee and wild bee populations.
Members of the public are asked to report any sightings of suspected hornets or nests, but only if they have a specimen, a clear photo of the suspected hornet, or have found a possible hornet nest.
Reports can be made through report.mpi.govt.nz or by calling Biosecurity New Zealand’s exotic pest and disease hotline on 0800 809 966.
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
Further information and images
Look out for hornets – Pamphlet [PDF, 637 KB]
