This insect has now been confirmed to have been established in NC. Early detection and rapid response are still critical in order to control this pest and slow the spread. If you see a spotted lanternfly in NC, please submit a picture through this online reporting tool!
Month-by-month lists of common plant diseases, pests, and other problems you may encounter in North Carolina yards and gardens. Straight from our PDIC (Plant Disease & Insect Clinic) entomologists and pathologists!
“Murder Hornet” & NC Look-a-Likes Recently, we’ve had many calls about “murder hornets” in our area. We want to acknowledge the concern, but also assure you that Alexander County and North Carolina, collectively, does NOT have any “murder hornets”.
To date, these giant hornets
have only been reported in Washington state. Last week, there was a colony found in Blaine, Washington that has since been eradicated by Washington State - Department of Agriculture professionals. They expect there to be more colonies in that region, and are actively looking to destroy them before any new queens are made.
Here is a little background on these “murder” hornets… Their appropriate name is the Asian giant hornet. These predators are approximately two inches long and have very large mandibles (mouth parts) that are used to decapitate honeybees and other insects (hence the name “murder-hornet”). Asian giant hornets do sting when they feel threatened and multiple stings can be fatal, however, people and pets are NOT their priority. They are not out to “murder” people by any
means!
Many people are especially worried about these hornets because they can lay waste to honeybee colonies. Beekeepers in the state of Washington are using “robbing screens” to help keep their honeybee colonies safe. This is a commonly used protective screen that deters other honeybees from stealing honey and keeps most predators from entering the hive. Our NC State Extension apiculture (beekeeping) Specialist, Dr. David Tarpy, said that, “Seeing that they’re not in NC, the issue for beekeepers in the state is moot, but it is something to be on our radar in the future. Hopefully, that is several years or decades away. Even when they get to North Carolina, their impact will likely pale in comparison to most of the more immediate problems with which beekeepers are already
facing.”
Below is a chart with an Asian giant hornet and two of its NC look-a-likes: the European hornet and the Cicada killer. Both are commonly found here and are large like an Asian giant hornet, but as you can see from the pictures below, there are some slight differences in appearance. Unless they feel threatened, the European hornet and the Cicada killer will not likely sting you or your pet.
If you have any further questions regarding Asian giant hornets, European hornets, or Cicada killers, please call us (North Carolina Cooperative Extension – Alexander County) at (828)-632-4451.
4-H Garden Club Meeting-Fall Planting! Thursday, September 8th at 5:30 p.m.
Meet at Taylorsville Community Gardens: 85 2nd Ave SE, Taylorsville, NC 28681
Upcoming Events Sept. 5th - Labor Day! Sept. 8th @ 5:30pm - 4H Garden Club Sept. 12th @ 7pm - Alexander County Beekeepers Meeting Sept. 12th - Last day to Pre-order for Native Plant Sale Sept. 14th - Native Plant Sale Sept. 15th - Native Plant Sale Sept. 26th @ 2-4pm - Commercial Pesticide and Private X Training Sept. 27th @ 6-8pm - V Training
Soil Testing - Free until December! November is the last opportunity to submit soil samples to be processed free of charge. December-March there will be a $4.00 per sample fee added. Below are some helpful links and information to help you collect these samples.
NC State University and N.C. A&T State University work in tandem, along with federal, state and local
governments, to form a strategic partnership called N.C. Cooperative Extension.
