Yellow-legged hornet documented in downstate county

An invasive yellow-legged hornet was trapped this month in Jasper County.  Clemson University officials, responsible for protecting the state’s beekeeping industry, say the hornet was captured November 9, and the finding was confirmed by the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. While the yellow-legged hornet — not to be confused with the northern giant hornet — is no more harmful to humans than other hornets, it can have a devastating impact on both managed and wild bees.  Clemson officials urge anyone who suspect they have spotted a yellow-legged hornet to report their findings to www.clemson.edu/public/regulatory/plant-industry/ylh.html. The hornet in question is native to Southeast Asia and has established itself in most of Europe and areas of the Middle East and Asia.