Yellow-Legged Hornets: An Emerging Threat to Pollinators

Yellow-Legged Hornets: An Emerging Threat to Pollinators

From Hort Culture by Plant People

March 22, 2026 · 45 min · Season 4 · Episode 12

About this episode

The episode discusses the role of beekeeping in agriculture and the threat posed by yellow-legged hornets to pollinators.

In this episode of Hort Culture, the podcast crew welcome Dr. Amanda Skidmore, Kentucky's state apiarist, to discuss the vital role of beekeeping in agriculture and the challenges facing pollinators. Skidmore shares insights into her work supporting beekeepers through inspections, education, and outreach across the state. The conversation highlights the importance of honeybees in pollinating specialty crops and maintaining food systems. A major focus of the episode is the emerging threat of the invasive yellow-legged hornet, a predator of honeybees that has recently been detected in the southeastern U.S. Skidmore explains its life cycle, how it spreads, and the potential ecological and economic impacts if it reaches Kentucky. Listeners also learn how to identify the hornet, report sightings, and even participate in monitoring efforts. Blending humor with urgency, the episode emphasizes awareness and collective action to protect pollinators and the agricultural systems that depend on them. Georgia Department of Agriculture Yellow-Legged Hornet [https://agr.georgia.gov/yellow-legged-hornet] Clemson Yellow Legged Hornet…

People in this episode

Guest: Dr. Amanda Skidmore

Topics covered

  • pollinators
  • beekeeping
  • invasive species
  • agriculture
  • environmental impact

Keywords

  • yellow-legged hornets
  • pollinators
  • beekeeping
  • honeybees
  • agriculture

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Georgia Department of Agriculture, Clemson

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