Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries
Biosecurity New Zealand has escalated its response to eradicate yellow-legged hornets (Vespa velutina) following continued detections on Auckland’s North Shore.
To date, 27 queen hornets, seven workers, and 17 nests have been successfully located and removed from the Glenfield and Birkdale areas.
“The fact we’re finding more hornets shows our surveillance is working,” says Mike Inglis, Biosecurity New Zealand Commissioner North.
Genetic testing indicates the hornets are closely related, suggesting a small, contained population.
Mr Inglis says surveillance and ground operations have expanded significantly across Auckland’s North Shore.
“In recent weeks, we’ve put in 5 times as many traps (now more than 600) across a 5km radius from detection sites, and property-by-property searches under way within 200 metres of confirmed finds. We are adding additional traps as more hornets are found.
“So far, our teams have carried out ground searches at more than 2,100 properties, and that number grows every day. Those ground searches are paying dividends, with many of the nests and queens being detected through those intensive ground sweeps.”
Teams from Auckland Council, Pest Free Kaipātiki, Plant & Food Research, and Kiwifruit Vine Health have joined Biosecurity New Zealand staff on the ground to strengthen the search effort.
International expertise is also guiding the response, with advice from countries that have successfully managed hornet incursions, leading to the purchase of electronic tracking gear.
“That technology arrived in New Zealand this week. Under the guidance of a UK expert, we plan to use the technology to trace nests if worker activity increases over summer.”
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
- A national advertising campaign launched this week urging the public to report suspected sightings
- Continuing to raise public awareness by visiting markets, schools, local businesses, libraries and community centres.
Mr Inglis says Biosecurity New Zealand expects to find more hornets over the summer due to increased surveillance, but stresses that ongoing vigilance by the public and beekeepers remains the best detection method.
“We’ve had more than 4,000 public notifications so far — an incredible contribution — and we’re very keen for this to continue,” he says.
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:
Further information and regular updates on hornet finds
Instructions on how to make a simple trap [PDF, 1.1 MB]
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.