Hornets’ eradication response enters crucial phase
New Zealand’s biosecurity response enters a decisive phase as warmer weather may reveal surviving yellow-legged hornet queens in Auckland, prompting urgent public vigilance and reporting.
The eradication effort against the yellow-legged hornet in Auckland is shifting into a critical stage as rising temperatures could prompt any remaining queens to emerge from winter hibernation, Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard warns. Authorities have already destroyed 77 queens and 132 nests, with no live hornets detected since April. While progress is noted, officials stress the response remains incomplete and vulnerable to undetected survivors.
Hoggard cautioned that surviving mated queens may become active in the coming weeks, forming new nests if left unchecked. He urged Auckland residents to remain alert, advising them to photograph suspected hornets or nests safely and report sightings immediately to prevent re-establishment of the invasive species.
Surveillance, trapping and apiary monitoring have continued through winter and are now intensifying ahead of the high-risk spring period. The response combines local and international scientific expertise, including hornet-mounted radio trackers, AI-enabled cameras, thermal drones, traps and Vespex bait to locate any remaining threats.
New Zealand’s biosecurity team states that if no further hornets are detected after two years of surveillance, the country could meet international standards to declare eradication. The public is asked to report suspected hornets or nests via 0800 80 99 66 or report.mpi.govt.nz.