The “murder hornet,” scientifically known as the northern giant hornet (Vespa mandarinia), generated significant public concern upon its appearance in North America a few years ago. This large insect sparked fears due to its intimidating size and potential ecological impact. This article details its background, initial detection, response efforts, and current status.
Understanding the Northern Giant Hornet
The northern giant hornet is the largest hornet species, native to temperate and tropical regions of East Asia, South Asia, mainland Southeast Asia, and parts of the Russian Far East. Adults can measure up to two inches long with a three-inch wingspan, featuring a distinct orange or yellow head and a black and yellow striped abdomen. These hornets typically build nests underground, often utilizing pre-existing tunnels or spaces near rotting tree roots.
The species earned its sensationalized nickname, “murder hornet,” primarily due to its predatory behavior towards honeybee colonies. Northern giant hornets enter a “slaughter phase” where a small group can decimate an entire honeybee hive within hours by decapitating adult bees. They then seize the bee larvae and pupae to feed their own young. While their sting is painful and can cause severe reactions, including organ damage from multiple stings, these hornets are generally not aggressive towards humans unless their nest is disturbed.
Early Sightings and Response
The northern giant hornet was first confirmed in North America in August 2019 in Nanaimo, British Columbia. Shortly after, in December 2019, the first U.S. sightings were verified near Blaine, Washington. These early detections spurred immediate, intensive response efforts from government agencies and local authorities in both countries.
Public awareness campaigns urged residents to report suspected sightings and provided identification guides. Trapping methods, including specialized traps and citizen science initiatives, were widely employed to monitor and detect the hornets. In October 2020, the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) successfully located and eradicated the first U.S. nest within a hollow tree in Blaine, using techniques like vacuuming hornets and injecting carbon dioxide.
Current Status and Ongoing Vigilance
After several years of dedicated eradication efforts, the northern giant hornet has been declared eradicated from the United States. The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced this significant achievement in December 2024. This declaration came after three consecutive years without any confirmed detections of the hornet in Washington state, the only U.S. state where it had been reported.
The last confirmed sightings in Washington occurred in 2021. While eradication has been declared in the U.S., officials emphasize the importance of ongoing vigilance and monitoring. Surveillance efforts, including continued trapping and public reporting, remain in place to prevent potential re-establishment and quickly address any new incursions.