USDA announces eradication of Asian giant hornets


by

Washington State Department of Agriculture

It has been announced that the Asian giant hornet, which was feared to be a threat to the United States, has finally been eradicated after a thorough three-year eradication campaign in Washington State. Since it was first confirmed in the United States in 2019, The fight against the Asian giant hornet, an invasive species that has been viewed with suspicion as a serious threat to industry, may finally be coming to an end.

WSDA, USDA announce eradication of northern giant hornet from the United States | Washington State Department of Agriculture
https://agr.wa.gov/about-wsda/news-and-media-relations/news-releases?article=41658

The Asian giant hornet, which is native to Asian countries including Japan, can attack and kill an entire honeybee nest within 90 minutes, and its powerful stinger is considered more dangerous than that of a honeybee. Therefore, the Asian giant hornet has been confirmed as an invasive species. In the United States, where it was first discovered, there were concerns that it would pose a serious threat to native pollinators and agriculture.


by

Washington State Department of Agriculture

In order to study the ecology and range of the Asian giant hornet, the United States Department of Agriculture is conducting a campaign in 2020 to attach small transmitters to Asian giant hornets to find their nests.

To eradicate giant hornets, the US Department of Agriculture is installing 'small transmitters' to find their nests - GIGAZINE



The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) and the USDA held a joint press conference on December 18, 2024, and declared the eradication of the Asian giant hornet. Since it was first discovered in Washington State in December 2019, the state and Federal agencies have been working with local communities to eradicate this invasive species, particularly in Whatcom County, where community support has been particularly successful, and every nest discovery has been directly or indirectly traced back to the community. This was based on a report from a resident.

WSDA discovered one nest in October 2020, and three in August and September 2021, all of which were found in alder tree cavities, and removed them. Citizens continued to monitor the area, but no new specimens were found. There was a suspected sighting in Kitsap County in October 2024, but no specimens were available, so no official confirmation was made. Apparently there is none.


by Washington State Department of Agriculture

The successful eradication was the result of a joint effort between government agencies and the local community, and is being hailed as a landmark victory in the fight against invasive alien species. Spichiger emphasized the need to remain vigilant, saying, 'Once they have been allowed to invade, there is a possibility that the Asian giant hornet will re-enter the United States.'

in Creature, Posted by log1i_yk