Photo: ELAINE THOMPSON / AFP / Getty Images
The invasive "murder hornet," officially known as the northern giant hornet, has been declared eradicated in the United States. The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the successful eradication, marking a significant victory against this dangerous pest.
The hornets, native to Asia, first appeared in North America in British Columbia, Canada, in August 2019 and were confirmed in Washington state in December 2019. Known for their potent sting and ability to decimate honeybee colonies within hours, these hornets posed a severe threat to pollinators and agriculture.
The eradication effort involved extensive collaboration between government agencies, researchers, and local residents. Citizens played a crucial role by setting traps and reporting sightings. In one notable instance, researchers used a radio tracking tag to locate and destroy a nest in an alder tree, preventing the emergence of new queens.
The last confirmed sighting of the hornet in Washington was in 2021. Since then, no further detections have been reported. Despite this success, officials remain vigilant, as there is always a possibility of reintroduction.
The eradication marks a significant achievement in the fight against invasive species, but officials caution that continued monitoring is essential to prevent future invasions.