Warning: Yellow-legged hornets spotted in Chatham County

The Chatham County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) is warning those in in Chatham County to be on alert as yellow-legged hornets have been spotted in the area.

CCSO said in a Facebook post on Sunday, “These insects pose a serious threat to our local ecosystem. Yellow-legged hornets eat honeybees, destroying our vital pollinators and causing detrimental effects to the environment as a whole.”

The office says yellow legged hornets are up to 2 in. in length, have large heads, prominent eyes, yellow legs and a yellow-orange color. They can be aggressive, particularly near hives and nests.

The CCSO says a nest was located and removed in Chatham County on Thursday, July 18.

According to the University of Georgia Bee Program, like all stinging wasps and bees, the yellow-legged hornet poses a sting risk to people and pets, especially for persons who suffer from allergic anaphylaxis.

The program says the U.S. averages 72 deaths per year from all stinging insects.

Also, the yellow-legged hornet’s primary threat is to Georgia’s beekeeping industry because they can cause honeybee colonies to decline.

The Georgia Department of Agriculture says honeybees play a crucial role because they pollinate $15 billion worth of crops in the U.S. each year, including more than 130 fruits and vegetables.

Officials say if a hornet is spotted, do not approach or attempt to remove it. Instead, take note of its location and appearance then immediately notify the Georgia Department of Agriculture at (404) 656-3645.

Here’s what to do if stung, according to the CCSO:

– Move to a safe area to avoid additional stings

– Wash the sting site with soap and water

– Apply a cold pack to reduce swelling

– Seek medical attention immediately, especially if you experience difficulty breathing, swelling, or other severe symptoms

For more information or to report sightings, contact the Georgia Department of Agriculture or local authorities.