The world’s largest hornet species – ominously dubbed “murder hornets” – have established a foothold in Washington state, triggering urgent response efforts from agricultural officials. These Asian giant hornets first crossed into the U.S. in 2019 and have been spotted multiple times since, most recently just a few miles from their initial discovery site near Blaine.
What makes these insects so dangerous is their combination of size, aggression, and deadly venom. They attack honeybee colonies with horrifying efficiency, slaughtering thousands of bees to claim their hives. The hornets use their massive mandibles to literally decapitate bees, then feed the bodies to their young. For humans, their quarter-inch long stingers deliver extremely potent venom that can cause severe reactions.
State entomologists are employing every available tool to combat the invasion. They’ve set up specialized traps and are using radio tags to follow captured hornets back to their nests. The proximity to Canada has created an international effort, with both countries coordinating their response. Public warnings have been issued advising people to keep their distance if they encounter the distinctive black and orange insects.
