Report it

Due to how and where these hornets establish nests, the best surveillance tool we have right now is for people to report any sightings of suspected hornets or hornet nests to Biosecurity New Zealand.

Members of the public are asked to report any sightings of suspected hornets or nests only if they have a specimen, clear photo of the suspected hornet, or have found a possible hornet nest. Do not disturb a suspected nest.

• Report pests online 
• Pest and Disease hotline: 0800 80 99 66

Early detection is critical to preventing the spread of this species.

What does it look like?

The yellow-legged hornet has distinctive dark legs with bright yellow tips. It differs from the already established common wasp species in New Zealand, such as the German wasp (Vespula germanica) which typically have uniformly yellow or yellow-striped legs. The yellow-legged hornet is also much larger than honeybees and common wasp species seen in New Zealand.

Yellow-legged hornets build large nests (up to 80 centimetres tall), often high in trees or under eaves. Early embryo nests created by queen hornets at the beginning of the spring season can be as small as a tennis ball and may appear within a couple of days (a German wasp nest looks similar at the early stages of development).

Why is it a problem?

Yellow-legged hornet (Vespa velutina) is  a non-native pest hornet not known to be established in New Zealand.

Since  October 17, 2025, Biosecurity New Zealand has found four  confirmed queen hornets and nests in Auckland. Yellow-legged hornets pose a biosecurity risk because of their potential impact on our honeybee and wild bee populations. They can also deliver a painful sting.

This species is not managed under a Northland Regional Council pest control programme.