In a significant triumph for environmental health, officials from the Washington State and U.S. Departments of Agriculture announced the successful eradication of the invasive northern giant hornet, formerly known as the Asian giant hornet. These formidable insects, which can grow up to 2 inches long, posed a severe threat to local ecosystems and honeybee populations since their first detection in North America in August 2019.
The hornets gained notoriety due to their alarming capacity to decimate honeybee hives within as little as 90 minutes. They would decapitate bees and claim the hive as their own, feeding the brood to their young. With the ability to sting multiple times and deliver nearly seven times the venom of a honey bee, these hornets presented a significant danger not only to bees but also to humans. Annually, around 72 individuals in the U.S. face fatal outcomes from bee and hornet stings, underscoring the severe risks posed by such invasive species.
The hornets were first confirmed in Washington state in December 2019, following initial sightings in British Columbia. Trappers located four nests during 2020 and 2021, prompting immediate action from agricultural departments. Following extensive trapping efforts and public awareness campaigns, state officials declared the invasive hornets eradicated in 2022. Since then, no detections have occurred in Washington, nor have there been confirmed sightings in British Columbia.
Sven Spichiger, pest program manager for the Washington State Department of Agriculture, expressed his excitement regarding this achievement. He stated, “I’ve gotta tell you, as an entomologist — I’ve been doing this for over 25 years now, and it is a rare day when the humans actually get to win one against the insects.”
The success in eradicating the northern giant hornet is a promising development for beekeeping and agricultural practices. The hornets had previously sparked fears due to their deadly capabilities; in 2013, they killed 42 people and injured over 1,600 in China. Their potential for destruction raised alarms about their impact on the already stressed honeybee populations in North America.
The decision to focus on trapping and eradicating these hornets has proven effective. Public engagement and awareness campaigns played a crucial role in helping identify and report sightings. The cooperation of local communities has been instrumental in achieving this milestone.
