We are pleased to welcome Mary Reed from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Plant Industry, who will speak on the newly detected invasive species, the Yellow-Legged Hornet (YLH).

First identified in Savannah, Georgia in 2023 and later in South Carolina in 2024, this species is a significant predator of honeybees and other beneficial insects, posing a serious threat to pollinator populations. While the Yellow-Legged Hornet has not yet been detected in Florida, FDACS-DPI is actively conducting surveys in the northeastern region of the state due to its proximity to confirmed sightings.

This presentation will cover:

– The history and biology of the Yellow-Legged Hornet
– How to identify hornets and locate their nests
– Steps to take if you suspect a sighting

Our goal is to raise awareness and support early detection efforts within the community.

We hope you can join us for this important discussion!