\nyellow-legged hornet nest.<\/p>\n
Hives were usually left at orchards for at least a week before collection.<\/p>\n
KVH said kiwifruit was particularly reliant on insect pollinators as its male and female flowers are located on separate plants.<\/p>\n
The yellow-legged hornet has distinctive dark legs with bright yellow tips and is much larger than honeybees and common wasp species seen in New Zealand. <\/p>\n
In contrast, common wasp species, such as the German wasp, typically have uniformly yellow or yellow-striped legs.<\/p>\n
While the hornets are unlikely to directly target kiwifruit, KVH said they pose a biosecurity risk because of their potential impact on honeybee and wild bee populations, and there may be indirect impacts through reduced numbers of pollinating insects. <\/p>\n
Wasp nests<\/p>\n
KVH has also received several reports of possible hornet and nest sightings through the response period from sites close to and beyond the Auckland response zone, including Tauranga, Te Puke and Katikati.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll have been negative for YLH and not of a biosecurity concern, including German and Asian paper wasps and their nests, and one Australian paper wasp find.\u201d<\/p>\n
The yellow-legged hornet and paper wasps look similar, with the sightings all coming from reports made to KVH by growers or others within the kiwifruit industry. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe always encourage reports of new, unusual, or concerning pests or unusual symptoms on kiwifruit vines,\u201d said KVH. <\/p>\n
\u201cThese reports highlight the biosecurity awareness and vigilance of our industry.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis reporting demonstrates industry engagement and raises awareness of threats to our honeybee and wild bee populations.\u201d<\/p>\n
Yan Chen, a Biosecurity New Zealand entomologist, with a secondary
\nyellow-legged hornet nest.<\/p>\n
KVH said identification of unusual wasp presence is valuable on growers\u2019 sites, as wasps pose health and safety risks for orchard staff and contractors, and place additional pressure on honeybee pollinators. <\/p>\n
When observed, growers were encouraged to contact their local beekeeper for advice.<\/p>\n
Recent Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research projects indicated that 8-9% of honeybee hives in New Zealand were destroyed or seriously damaged due to wasp attacks on foraging bees and hive robbing.<\/p>\n
Regional councils could also guide wasp management options.<\/p>\n
Western Bay of Plenty Regional Council said while less aggressive than German and common wasps, Asian and Australian paper wasps prey on insects and chew weatherboards.<\/p>\n
They were classified as \u201cadvisory pests\u201d by the council \u2013 \u201cestablished within the region and are known to negatively impact on environmental, production and\/or public values\u201d.<\/p>\n
These pests were not the subject of programmes and rules in the Regional Pest Management Programme, but the regional council does provide control advice.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is the landowner\/occupier\u2019s responsibility to manage these pests,\u201d the council said.<\/p>\n
Professional pest controllers are recommended.<\/p>\n
The council said insecticide needs to be strategic and well-coordinated, or results would be limited.<\/p>\n
Wasp nests were sprayed at dusk when the majority of wasps are back at the nest.<\/p>\n
Public reporting <\/p>\n
KVH said reporting of potential yellow-legged hornets or their nests remains important. <\/p>\n
\u201cIf anyone sees any suspected hornets or large aerial or concealed nests, they should take photos and make a report.\u201d<\/p>\n