The response to eradicate yellow-legged hornets (Vespa velutina) has escalated, 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 more hornets are being found shows surveillance is working. Genetic testing indicates the hornets are closely related, suggesting a small, contained population.

Surveillance and ground operations have expanded significantly across Auckland’s North Shore. There are now more than 600 traps in place across a 5km radius from detection sites, and property-by-property searches are under way within 200m of confirmed finds. Additional traps are added as more hornets are found.

So far, 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.

Kiwifruit industry personnel, including KVH staff, have joined teams from Auckland Council, Pest Free Kaipātiki, Plant & Food Research, and Biosecurity New Zealand 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 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.

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 poster for making homemade hornet traps available on our dedicated response page here.

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.