Although the northern giant hornet (Vespa mandarinia) has likely been eradicated from the Pacific Northwest, easing fears of an invasion into North Carolina, its smaller cousin is now actually at our doorstep.

The yellow-legged hornet (Vespa velutina; YLH) was first found around Savannah, GA in late 2023. Recently (December 2025) a nest of this species was found in NC-neighboring York County, South Carolina.

Like other social wasps that make paper nests (e.g. paper wasps, yellowjackets, etc.), YLHs build their nest throughout the year, then produce reproductives (males and unmated queens) in the late summer and early fall. Mature YLH nests are similar to our native bald-faced hornet (Dolichovespula maculata) in that they are a large, round, and made up in trees (like in the cartoons!). Finding a nest near the NC border means the potential for overwintering mated queens of this species to wake up next spring and begin building nearby nests.

YLHs are not an increased risk to humans (the risk of stings/attacks is similar to other native relatives), but they are dangerous to honey bees. This is a species that will actively hunt honey bees and destroy hives, making it a destructive pest for beekeepers.

Please be on the lookout for this invasive species in NC next year. If you see this species, please visit the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) website on to report sightings. Note that this species can be mistaken for many others. For information on how to tell YLHs and other similar insects apart, please visit our guide to identification (or use the quick guide below).