Yellow-Legged Hornets Are Spreading in the Lowcountry

An invasive species is making its presence known across the Lowcountry. The yellow-legged hornet (Vespa velutina), an invasive hornet from Asia, has established a foothold in South Carolina and poses a serious threat to honeybees and other pollinators.

With sightings increasing, it’s important to know what to look for, and what you’re actually seeing. South Carolina Public Radio recently reported on the hornet’s spread and impact on local bee colonies, while Clemson University offers a helpful identification guide showing how to distinguish yellow-legged hornets from native wasps, hornets and bees.

If you spot a suspected yellow-legged hornet or nest, don’t approach it. Proper identification and reporting can help South Carolina’s response teams track the spread of this invasive species. Use the button below to report yellow-legged hornet sightings in South Carolina.