The technique – attaching tiny radio transmitters to worker hornets and tracking them back to their nests – had quickly become a core part of MPI’s response. “Once we have a transmitter attached to a hornet, we are typically locating the nest within a few hours,” Inglis said. He said the transmitters were deployed as soon as worker hornets reached more than 300mg in weight. Photo / Biosecurity New ZealandMPI’s Technical Advisory Group, which includes international experts, advised that queen hornets do not travel far when food is abundant. Former Northland beekeeper and current biosecurity worker Brad Windust.

Source: New Zealand Herald February 06, 2026 12:03 UTC