The United States is concerned about the spread of Vespa velutina, the yellow-legged hornet. This hornet was first detected in 2023 in Georgia and has since spread to South Carolina. According to Hornet Herald – a newsletter established by Clemson University following the arrival of V. velutina to monitor this species – 102 embryo nests were removed in 2026, and more than 3,500 queens were captured using traps. Currently, as reported by local media, more than 4,700 traps have been set, and the Department of Agriculture and Industries is working to monitor the situation and prevent its spread to other states, expecially in the South.