How wind and diet are helping invasive hornets spread across Georgia

The Brief Researchers at the University of Georgia found that coastal wind patterns and a varied insect diet are helping drive invasive yellow-legged hornets northward along the coast. University of Georgia (UGA) researchers are gaining new ground in the fight against the invasive yellow-legged hornet, uncovering key insights into what the pest is eating and how coastal wind patterns are helping it spread across the state. What we know:Wind patterns along the southeastern coast may actually be helping push the invasive yellow-legged hornet, scientific name Vespa velutina, northward, according to UGA researchers. While they heavily target honeybees, the invasive hornets are also preying on other vital pollinators and native insects that provide natural pest control. It's unclear how long it will take to contain the invasive hornets and if complete eradication is possible.