The surveillance zone for yellow-legged hornets (Vespa velutina) on Auckland’s North Shore is being extended, following advice from independent technical experts.

The surveillance zone will extend from 5km to 11km from detection sites. This will provide greater assurance that the hornet incursion is a single population contained to the local area and allow for a quick response if there has been any spread.

From the very start, the response to the hornet detections has been driven by science and expert advice. This will remain the foundation of the approach moving forward.

The enhanced surveillance gets underway now, in time for an expected increase in foraging by worker hornets, It will involve working closely with more beekeepers, including over 575 apiaries within the 11km zone. Traps will be placed near hives and information provided to beekeepers on how to monitor and what to look for.

Biosecurity New Zealand is partnering in the response with horticulture, wine and arable sectors, including KVH, under the Government Industry Agreement for Biosecurity Readiness and Response (GIA); alongside the bee industry, regional councils, and the Department of Conservation on response efforts.

The technical advisory group last week commended the strong response to date, noting significant progress in locating and destroying hornets and nests. This endorsement provides confidence that efforts are on the right track and that we’re doing everything possible to contain and eradicate this pest.

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 3500 properties have been searched within 200m of confirmed finds.
• To date, 34 queen hornets and 22 nests have been successfully located and destroyed.

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.

We can expect to find more hornets over the summer due to increased surveillance - ongoing vigilance by the public and beekeepers remains the best detection method.

All growers - especially those in Auckland - are urged to be on the lookout for yellow-legged hornets or nests, especially near any hives they may have on their property. Report sightings immediately to Biosecurity New Zealand on 0800 80 99 66 or make an online report here.

There is also a video and various resources available on our dedicated response page here.