Yellow-legged Hornets Nests Detected and Eliminated in South Carolina: Decisive DPI Operation Hastened by Hawks’ Behavior

Yellow-legged Hornets Nests Found and Destroyed in South Carolina

A Mission Hastened by Hawkish Behavior

In a swift and decisive operation, multiple secondary nests of the yellow-legged hornet (Vespa velutina) were found and eradicated near Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. The Clemson University Department of Plant Industry (DPI) acted promptly after receiving a distress signal from a beekeeper in Beaufort County, who filmed the hornets launching an attack on his bee colony in a behavior referred to as ‘hawking behavior’. Weathering this evident threat to the beekeeping industry, the DPI dispatched its personnel to militarily exploit a trapping system and bring down the perpetrators.

Team DPI in Action

Following a discovery of an embryo nest in April, this is the first secondary nest found in South Carolina, putting the residents of Lowcountry, particularly those in Bluffton and Hilton Head Island zones, on high alert. Assistant Director of Clemson DPI, Steven Long, urged vigilance and timely reporting of suspicious sightings, their best defense against a possible outbreak of the menacing pests. As the search continues in Beaufort and Jasper Counties, homeowners are being requested to allow DPI officials, identifiable by badges or Clemson DPI branded shirts and safety vests, access to their property.

A Call for Cooperation

“They are doing their jobs to protect the state from these hornets and the damage they can do to our beekeeping industry. This will be an ongoing effort,” said Brad Cavin, the coordinator of the Clemson University program responsible for battling the invasive hornets. The residents have been solicited to either leave any found nest undisturbed for it to be appropriately dispatched by field inspectors or provide photos with their reports.

Remain Alert & Stay Tuned

As efforts to control the yellow-legged hornet threat continue, residents are urged to remain alert, report any suspicious nests, and cooperate with DPI officials to protect South Carolina’s environment and beekeeping industry. For further updates and information, stay tuned.

Past 24 Hours: Headlines

  • VP Kamala Harris Successful Rally in Raleigh, NC
  • Missing Florida Woman Found Safe in SC
  • Greenville Parking Garage Accident: Bond Denied for Accused Driver
  • Patient’s Phone and Money Stolen: Ex-Hospital Aide Accused
  • Honeymoon Turns Tragic: Newlyweds and Mother of Bride Killed in Crash
  • TikTok Filming Turns Deadly: Mom of 3 Killed by Ex-Boyfriend
  • Scott Bloomquist: Race Car Driver and Hall of Fame Member Dies in Plane Crash

Additional News

  • Greenville Scores Waste Transfer Station Permit: Community Meeting in Pipeline
  • Basketball and Faith: Asheville Family Finds Strength Following Tragic Accident
  • Greenville Arrest Scene Turns Chompy: Wanted Suspect and K-9 Unit Bite Each Other
  • Anderson Co. Fatal Crash: Man Faces Charges After a Month
  • No Prison Time for Man Admitting to Sexual Assault of a Minor


Author: HERE Lexington

HERE Lexington

Recent Posts

What Are the Top Environmental Considerations When Choosing Roofing Materials?

What Are the Top Environmental Considerations When Choosing Roofing Materials? Choosing the right roofing material…

7 hours ago

Richland County Woman Encounters Unexpected Python in Bathroom

Richland County Woman Surprised by Snake in Bathroom RICHLAND COUNTY, S.C. — A woman in…

13 hours ago

Omaha Man Arrested in Connection with Child Exploitation Case

Omaha Man Arrested in Connection with Child Exploitation Case Omaha, Nebraska - A 36-year-old man,…

13 hours ago

South Carolina Gamecocks Overpower South Carolina State Bulldogs 86-64 in Home Opener

Columbia, S.C. - South Carolina Defeats South Carolina State 86-64 In a commanding performance Friday…

13 hours ago

Columbia Celebrates the Grand Opening of Wings Co., A New Destination for Wing Lovers!

Columbia Welcomes a New Wing Destination! Exciting news for Columbia residents and wing enthusiasts! A…

14 hours ago