The Truth About Murder Hornets: What You Need to Know

2020 was a year filled with surprises, and one of them was the emergence of the so-called 'murder hornets' in the United States. These giant insects were first spotted in Washington state and have since captured the attention of the media and the public alike. But what exactly are murder hornets?

What Are Murder Hornets?

Murder hornets, also known as Asian giant hornets, are native to Asia and can grow up to two inches long. They are the largest hornet species in the world and have a distinctive black and yellow striped abdomen. While they don't usually attack humans, their stingers are long enough to penetrate beekeeping suits, and their venom is powerful enough to cause serious harm.

In Japan, where murder hornets are more common, an average of 50 people die each year from their stings. The hornets are also a threat to honeybees, which they decapitate in order to feed their young. A small group of murder hornets can wipe out an entire hive of bees in just a few hours.

How Did They Get to the US?

It's not entirely clear how murder hornets made their way to the United States, but experts believe that they may have arrived in shipping containers from Asia. The first sighting of a murder hornet in the US was in December 2019, when a resident of Washington state found one in his backyard. Since then, there have been several more sightings in the state, as well as in neighboring Oregon and British Columbia, Canada.

Should We Be Worried?

The short answer is yes, we should be concerned about the presence of murder hornets in the US. While they are not typically aggressive towards humans, their venom is potent enough to cause serious harm, and they pose a significant threat to honeybees. If murder hornets become established in the US, they could have a devastating impact on agriculture and the environment.

However, it's important to keep things in perspective. While murder hornets are certainly cause for concern, they are not an immediate threat to most people. It's also worth noting that efforts are underway to contain and eradicate the hornets before they can establish themselves in the US.

What Can We Do to Protect Ourselves and the Environment?

There are several steps that individuals can take to protect themselves and the environment from the threat of murder hornets. One of the most important is to report any sightings of the insects to local authorities or the Washington State Department of Agriculture. This can help experts track the spread of the hornets and develop effective strategies for containment and eradication.

It's also important to avoid disturbing or provoking murder hornets if you do encounter them. If you are stung by a murder hornet, seek medical attention immediately, as their venom can cause serious health problems.

Finally, we can all do our part to protect honeybees by supporting local beekeepers and avoiding the use of pesticides and other chemicals that can harm pollinators. By working together, we can minimize the threat posed by murder hornets and protect our communities and ecosystems.

A murder hornet nest

asian giant hornets, eradication efforts, honeybee conservation, insect ecology