The northern giant hornet (Vespa mandarinia), an invasive species native to Asia, first appeared in North America in late 2019. Its large size and predatory nature quickly generated widespread concern. Its initial detection prompted immediate action from scientists and government agencies.
The Initial Threat and Public Concern
The northern giant hornet, measuring up to two inches long with a three-inch wingspan, stood out from native species. Its predatory behavior, particularly its devastating impact on honeybee colonies, caused significant concern. A small group of hornets could decimate an entire bee hive within hours, decapitating adult bees and carrying off larvae to feed their young.
This posed a severe threat to beekeeping industries and the broader agricultural sector, which relies on honeybees for pollination. Beyond honeybees, the hornet’s powerful quarter-inch long stinger also presented a potential danger to humans. While they generally do not attack unless provoked, multiple stings or an allergic reaction could result in serious health consequences.
Concerted Eradication Efforts
Entomologists, state agricultural departments, and federal agencies launched comprehensive strategies to address the threat. Collaborative efforts between the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and citizen scientists proved instrumental in the response. This partnership allowed for a multi-faceted approach to track and eliminate the invasive pest.
Public reporting campaigns, often through hotlines and mobile applications, encouraged individuals to report suspected sightings. This public involvement helped create an extensive network of surveillance. Trapping networks, including those managed by volunteers and utilizing experimental lures, were deployed to capture specimens.
A key method involved attaching tiny radio tags to captured hornets. These radio-tagged hornets were then released and tracked, leading authorities directly to their hidden nests. Once a nest was located, often in underground cavities or tree hollows, targeted eradication began.
Eradication procedures involved plugging the nest entrance with foam, wrapping the infested tree in plastic, and then vacuuming the hornets out. To ensure complete elimination, carbon dioxide was injected into the nest cavity. These actions were crucial in preventing the establishment and spread of the northern giant hornet.
Current Status in North America
Due to concerted eradication efforts, the northern giant hornet is now considered eradicated from Washington state and the United States. The Washington State Department of Agriculture and the USDA officially announced this achievement in invasive species management.
The last confirmed sighting in North America occurred in 2021. Since then, there have been no confirmed detections in previously affected areas, primarily Whatcom County, Washington, where all four confirmed nests were located and destroyed. This outcome demonstrates the effectiveness of the rapid and targeted response.
Ongoing Monitoring and Prevention
While the immediate threat has subsided, vigilance against potential reintroductions remains important. Authorities continue to maintain monitoring programs, with traps still being set in vulnerable areas. This ongoing surveillance helps detect any new incursions early.
The public plays a role in prevention by learning to differentiate the northern giant hornet from native species using identification guides. Reporting any suspected sightings to local agricultural departments or through designated apps is encouraged, with instructions to avoid approaching or disturbing any potential nests.