ACES Pest Control announced strengthened response measures following confirmation from the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) that seven yellow-legged hornet queens have been found in Glenfield and Birkdale on Auckland’s North Shore. The update comes as MPI deploys more than 180 traps, expands field operations, and urges the public to report verified sightings of the invasive species.
The presence of the yellow-legged hornet, an aggressive predator of honeybees and a threat to public safety, marks a significant biosecurity concern. MPI has confirmed that five of the queens showed signs of nesting. The agency has more than 100 staff assisting in the response, including daily trap checks, protein-bait deployment, and community outreach.
ACES Pest Control, which services North Shore, Glenfield, Birkdale, and surrounding suburbs, said it has increased operational readiness to support public reporting and professional intervention where appropriate. The company has noted a surge in inquiries from residents who are monitoring activity around trees, fence lines, and rooflines where hornet nests may be visible.
“We are aligning our internal capabilities with MPI’s guidance so that Auckland residents can receive clear, safe, and timely advice,” said ACES Pest Control founder Owen Stobart. “This species differs from the common and German wasps typically seen in Auckland. Their size, nesting behaviour, and aggressiveness require a more cautious response. Our role is to help the public understand what they’re looking at and ensure that any suspected nest is escalated through the proper channels.”
The yellow-legged hornet, native to Southeast Asia, has spread rapidly across Europe and the United Kingdom, where it has caused extensive losses to honeybee colonies. Unlike common wasps, the species often builds exposed, ball-shaped nests hanging from trees. MPI has advised residents not to approach or spray suspected nests, and to report findings only when supported by photos, specimens, or visible nest structures.
ACES Pest Control said its increased readiness focuses on public education and technical coordination rather than commercial services. The company’s experience with wasp extermination in Auckland, including pest control in Glenfield, pest control in Birkdale, and broader support for pest control across Auckland, provides familiarity with high-risk areas where wasp and hornet activity tends to be detected first.
“We are seeing heightened public concern, especially on the North Shore where MPI has confirmed activity,” Stobart said.
The company noted that its teams continue to respond to standard wasp-related calls in Auckland, including wasp nest removal Auckland, wasp extermination Auckland, and support for residents who report unusual insect behaviour. However, ACES emphasized that yellow-legged hornet cases must follow MPI’s process due to their biosecurity implications.
The agency has reiterated that only verified evidence should be reported to avoid overloading response channels. Public alerts remain focused on Glenfield and Birkdale, where MPI’s surveillance density is highest.
About ACES Pest Control
ACES Pest Control is an Auckland-based pest management company founded in 2009 by entomologist Owen Stobart. The company provides low-toxicity pest solutions for residential and commercial properties, offering services that include wasp control, ants, rodents, spiders, cockroaches, and other common urban pests.
Operating across the wider Auckland region — including Glenfield, Birkdale, the North Shore, central suburbs, and West Auckland — ACES Pest Control is known for its evidence-based approach and commitment to environmental safety. The company holds multiple independent industry recognitions and provides the Silver Bullet Guarantee for its standard pest treatments.
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Company Name: ACES pest control
Contact Person: Owen Stobart
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Country: New Zealand
Website: https://commercialpestcontrol.net.nz/services/wasps/