Bluffton, October 26, 2025
News Summary
Bluffton, South Carolina is facing concerns as invasive Yellow-Legged Hornets have been reported in the area, threatening honey bee populations and local agriculture. With 66 nests documented in South Carolina, authorities are urging residents to report sightings for effective monitoring and control. The hornets pose a significant ecological risk, preying on native pollinators and potentially disrupting the local ecosystem. Awareness and community action are essential in combating this invasive species.
Bluffton, South Carolina – A species of invasive hornet, known as Yellow-Legged Hornets, has been spotted in Bluffton, South Carolina, prompting local authorities to encourage residents to keep an eye out for these pests. Yellow-Legged Hornets are notorious for attacking and destroying honey bee colonies, raising alarm among beekeepers and agricultural stakeholders.
The first nest of Yellow-Legged Hornets in North America was detected in Savannah, Georgia in 2023, which has raised concerns about their potential spread. Since the beginning of the year, Clemson Extension has documented a total of 66 nests of Yellow-Legged Hornets in South Carolina, with the majority located in Beaufort County, where Bluffton is situated.
This species of hornet originated in Southeast Asia and began spreading through Western Europe in 2004. They pose a serious risk to agriculture and the environment, as they prey on native pollinators, potentially leading to significant ecological consequences.
A recent discovery in Bluffton highlighted the hornet’s presence when a nest was found by town employees pruning palm trees, identified by a local beekeeper passing by. After reporting the nest, Larry Beckler, the town’s public service director, informed Clemson for removal.
To combat the issue, Clemson has initiated a Yellow-Legged Hornet reporting program to better monitor the spread of the species since April 2025. Residents are being urged to take photos and report any nests they encounter. The nests are characterized by their pear-shaped form and are made of a tan, papery substance.
It is crucial that only trained specialists remove these nests due to the hornets’ potential aggressiveness when threatened. Each hornet nest can disperse between 1 to 350 queens annually, which can lead to exponential growth and a significant threat to honey bee populations.
Local beekeepers are advised to remain vigilant, as these hornets can directly compete with and kill honeybees. A South Carolina Honeybee Inspector has highlighted the unknown overall impact of Yellow-Legged Hornets on the local ecosystem, raising further concerns about their potential effects.
Reporting Hazards
The community is actively encouraged to report sightings or nests of Yellow-Legged Hornets to assist in monitoring their spread and ensuring the safety of local agriculture and ecosystems.
What to Watch For
– Yellow-Legged Hornets are dangerous to honey bees, impacting pollination.
– Look for nests that are pear-shaped and made from a tan, papery material.
– If you spot a nest, do not attempt to remove it yourself; contact trained professionals.
Local Impact
With the growing number of reported nests in South Carolina, especially in Beaufort County, residents are reminded to be aware of their surroundings and contribute to community safety efforts by reporting any hornet activities.
Conclusion
As invasive species continue to pose threats to agriculture and biodiversity, community awareness and action play a vital role in addressing potential hazards in Bluffton and surrounding areas.
FAQ
What species of hornet has been discovered in Bluffton, SC?
A species of invasive hornet, known as Yellow-Legged Hornets, has been spotted in Bluffton, South Carolina.
Why are residents being urged to report sightings of Yellow-Legged Hornets?
The town is encouraging residents to keep an eye out for these hornets, which are known to attack and destroy honey bee colonies.
When was the first nest of Yellow-Legged Hornets detected in North America?
The first nest of Yellow-Legged Hornets in North America was detected in Savannah, Georgia in 2023.
How many nests of Yellow-Legged Hornets have been documented in South Carolina since the beginning of the year?
Since the beginning of the year, Clemson Extension has documented 66 nests of Yellow-Legged Hornets in South Carolina, the majority of which are in Beaufort County.
What impact do Yellow-Legged Hornets have on the environment?
Yellow-Legged Hornets pose a serious risk to agriculture and the broader environment as they prey on native pollinators.
Who should remove Yellow-Legged Hornet nests?
Only trained specialists should remove these nests due to the hornets’ potential aggressiveness when threatened.
Key Features of Yellow-Legged Hornets
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Origin | Southeast Asia |
| First North American Nest | Savannah, Georgia, 2023 |
| Nests Documented in SC | 66 nests as of 2023 |
| Environmental Impact | Threat to native pollinators |
| Queens Dispersed per Nest | 1 to 350 annually |
| Removal Safety | Only by trained professionals |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WJCL: Invasive Yellow-Legged Hornets Spotted in Bluffton
- Wikipedia: Yellow-Legged Hornet
- MaxPreps: Bluffton vs Savannah Country Day Football
- Google Search: Yellow-Legged Hornets
- KPC News: Colina Hatch Scores in L.B. Blanks Hornets
- Google Scholar: Yellow-Legged Hornets
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
