The “murder hornet,” officially known as the Northern giant hornet, has been successfully eliminated in the U.S. This invasive species was first confirmed in the U.S. in 2019, leading to efforts to track and remove them due to their threat to bees and agriculture.
To eradicate the hornets, a collaborative effort involving state, federal, and international agencies was made. Entomologists had to locate the hornets’ nests, which was a challenge as they usually build nests in forested areas, often underground. Techniques like attaching radio tags to live hornets to track them back to their nests were used, along with methods like plugging nests with foam, wrapping trees in plastic, and vacuuming out the hornets.
In 2022, over 1,000 hornet traps were set in Washington to locate nests, with a previous nest containing nearly 1,500 hornets being destroyed. The public also played a crucial role in reporting hornet sightings, aiding in nest detections.
While the hornets have been eradicated in the U.S., there is a possibility of them returning. Officials will remain vigilant, and community members are encouraged to report any sightings. The hornets are known for their ability to decimate honeybee hives and can attack when threatened.
Initially known as the Asian giant hornet, the species was renamed the Northern giant hornet in 2022. Despite their removal from the U.S., sightings of the hornet species have been reported in Europe. It is crucial to remain aware of their presence and report any sightings to prevent their return.
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