Official Report Forms for Hornet Sightings

Yellow-Legged Hornet Next To Coin – Photo by KatieCouric.com/news

Reporting sightings of invasive hornet species—such as the yellow-legged Asian hornet (YLH)—is critical for containment and eradication efforts in the United States. Here are the official channels and forms for reporting:

Georgia

• Online Reporting Form:
  The Georgia Department of Agriculture provides an official form to report yellow-legged hornet sightings.
  • Go to the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s Yellow-Legged Hornet webpage and use the online reporting form.^[1][2][3]
  • Direct email reports (including photos and details) can be sent to: yellow.legged.hornet@agr.georgia.gov.^[3]

South Carolina

• Clemson University Reporting System:
  South Carolina residents report sightings via the Clemson University Department of Plant Industry’s website.
  • Visit the Clemson Apiary Inspection Program Yellow-Legged Hornet page to access the reporting tool and video instructions.^[4]
  • Residents should include photos and detailed information about the sighting for verification.

Other States

• Washington State:
  The Washington State Department of Agriculture maintains an online report form for northern giant hornets, but for the yellow-legged hornet, residents should contact their state Department of Agriculture if not in Georgia or South Carolina.^[5]
  • Washington: Use the Hornet Watch Report Form, email hornets@agr.wa.gov, or call 1-800-443-6684.^[5]
• Mississippi & Other States:
  Some states may have their own systems (e.g., Mississippi State University for local reports). Always check your state Department of Agriculture’s website.^[6][3][5]

What Information to Include in Your Report

• Full name and contact details
• Exact location (ideally GPS coordinates)
• Date and time of the sighting
• High-quality photograph of the hornet or nest (confirmation often requires photos)
• Description of hornet size, color, and behavior (if photograph is not possible)
• Direction the hornet flew, or any observed activity around hives
• Any signs of hive damage

Mobile App Options

• Asian Hornet Watch App:
  Available for iPhone and Android nationwide for reporting hornet sightings with GPS and photo upload capability.

Early reporting is essential. These official forms directly support state and federal eradication programs—prompt, informative reports improve the odds of rapid containment.^[1][3][4][5]

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1. https://agr.georgia.gov/yellow-legged-hornet 
2. https://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant-pests-diseases/yellow-legged-hornet
3. https://agr.georgia.gov/sites/default/files/documents/pests/yellow-legged-ledger-issue-5.pdf   
4. https://news.clemson.edu/clemson-launches-new-yellow-legged-hornet-reporting-system/ 
5. https://agr.wa.gov/hornets   
6. https://www.aphis.usda.gov/print/pdf/node/3584