Murder Hornets Eradicated from the United States

Murder Hornets Eradicated from the United States

In a significant victory against invasive species, officials have declared the northern giant hornet, commonly known as the "murder hornet," eradicated from the United States. This announcement comes five years after the insect was first discovered in Washington state near the Canadian border.

The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed on Wednesday that there have been no sightings of the northern giant hornet in the U.S. since 2021. This achievement marks the culmination of a multi-year effort involving collaboration between state, federal, and international government agencies, as well as significant support from community members. 

The northern giant hornet, native to Asia, posed a substantial threat to local ecosystems, particularly to honey bee populations. These invasive insects are capable of decimating an entire honey bee hive in as little as 90 minutes, earning them their ominous nickname .Eradication efforts included extensive trapping, tracking, and nest destruction. Scientists employed innovative methods, such as attaching radio tracking devices to live hornets to locate and eliminate nests. 

While celebrating this success, officials remain vigilant. Sven Spichiger, pest program manager at the WSDA, emphasized the need for continued monitoring, stating, "Although they are now eradicated from the state, we'll always be keeping an eye out for them"2.This eradication represents a rare and significant triumph in the ongoing battle against invasive species, demonstrating the effectiveness of coordinated efforts between government agencies and public involvement