New Zealand intensifies yellow-legged hornet eradication in Auckland

Efforts to eradicate the yellow-legged hornet in Auckland, New Zealand, have entered a critical phase as warmer weather increases the risk of surviving queens emerging from winter to build new nests.

Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard reported that the response has successfully destroyed 77 queens and 132 nests, noting that no hornets have been sighted since April. To prevent new infestations, authorities are stepping up surveillance, trapping, and apiary monitoring during the high-risk spring period. The operation utilizes advanced technology, including thermal drones, AI-enabled cameras, radio trackers, and Vespex bait.

Public assistance remains vital, with over 18,000 notifications contributing to the response so far. Officials state that if no further hornets are detected after two years of surveillance, New Zealand will meet international standards to declare the species eradicated.