Recap of November 2025 First Friday with Florida First Detector
This month’s Florida First Detector webinar took a closer look at Hymenoptera. This is an order of insects that includes wasps, bees, ants, hornets, and sawflies. Hymenopterans are incredibly diverse. Some species feed on plants, while others act as predators or parasites. Many are beneficial and play essential roles in pollination, pest control, and nutrient recycling. A few can be invasive and harmful to our ecosystems and agriculture.
While there are lots of species on our watchlist for Florida, this month we covered two invasive hornets of concern to our state. Both species have been spotted in other states in the U.S., but to date, none have been found in Florida.
Northern Giant Hornet (Vespa mandarinia) – Detected in Washington in 2020, this is one of the world’s largest hornet, reaching up to 2 inches long. These hornets can devastate honey bee hives by preying on adult bees and larvae. While their sting is painful, the greater threat lies in their potential impact on pollinators. Fortunately, this species has not been detected in Florida.
Yellow-Legged Hornet (Vespa velutina) – Found in Georgia in 2023, this hornet is smaller, reaching up to about 1 inch long. Like the Northern Giant Hornet, it attacks honey bee hives and poses risks to pollinators. Ongoing trapping and surveillance efforts are underway to monitor its spread in the Southeast.
If you think you’ve spotted one of these hornets, it is important that you report it. Early detection is critical for protecting our pollinators and preventing establishment. Effective management starts with prevention and early detection.
Resources on invasive hornets, wasps, ants, and more
UF Fire Ant Control Recommendations
UF EDIS on the Northern Giant Hornet
USDA Resources on Northern Giant Hornet
UF EDIS Africanized Honey Bee
FDACS Yellow-legged Hornet Resources
USDA Resources on Yellow-legged Hornet
Resources for Florida Beekeepers
FDACS Apiary Inspections Information
UF Beekeepers Resources
UF Honeybee Research and Extension Lab
Want to watch the recording?
What is the upcoming schedule?
We are meeting online via Zoom from 12:00PM-1:00PM on the First Friday of every month from Sept 2022-Aug 2026. Maybe longer too! Please visit this blog for registration information and the upcoming schedule for Sept. 2025-2026.
Questions?
Contact Dr. Morgan Pinkerton, morgan0402@ufl.edu
Or
Visit the Florida First Detector Website
The post November 2025 First Friday with Florida First Detector appeared first on UF/IFAS Pest Alert.
Recap of November 2025 First Friday with Florida First Detector This month’s Florida First Detector webinar took a closer look at Hymenoptera. This is an order of insects that includes wasps, bees, ants, hornets, and sawflies. Hymenopterans are incredibly diverse. Some species feed on plants, while others act as predators or parasites. Many are beneficial
The post November 2025 First Friday with Florida First Detector appeared first on UF/IFAS Pest Alert.
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Source: UF/IFAS Pest Alert
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