The world’s largest hornet, a known predator of honeybees and infamously nicknamed 'Murder Hornet,' has officially been eradicated in the United States of America. Authorities announced the eradication of the northern giant hornet (Vespa mandarinia) after three years without any confirmed detections.
The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed that the northern giant hornet is no longer present in the country. This invasive species, native to Asia, posed a severe threat to honey bee colonies, which it could destroy in hours, and indirectly threatened crops dependent on pollinators.
Measuring up to two inches long, northern giant hornets are formidable predators. They use their powerful mandibles to attack honey bee colonies, marking hives with a pheromone signal to recruit other hornets. A single attack can result in the complete destruction of a bee colony within 90 minutes. While these hornets generally avoid humans unless provoked, their sting is more potent than that of honey bees, adding to concerns about their potential establishment.
First detected in North America in British Columbia, Canada, in August 2019, the hornets were soon identified in Washington state later that year. DNA analysis indicated two separate introductions, with specimens in Canada and Washington originating from different countries. The WSDA quickly mobilized to address the threat, eradicating one nest in 2020 and three nests in 2021. All nests were located within alder tree cavities in Whatcom County.
The eradication of the northern giant hornet is a significant victory for pollinators and agriculture. Honey bees are essential for pollinating a wide range of crops, including fruits and vegetables, and they contribute billions of dollars to the agricultural economy. By removing this invasive predator, authorities have protected the ecological balance and ensured the continued availability of vital pollination services. This success directly supports the sustainability of food production and the health of ecosystems that rely on pollinators.
The eradication campaign involved extensive collaboration among state, federal, and local agencies, as well as community participation. Derek Sandison, WSDA director, praised the collective effort, noting the vital role played by public reports in detecting nests. Over half of the confirmed detections were credited to community contributions.
Dr. Mark Davidson, Deputy Administrator at USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service highlighted the success as a testament to the power of unity in combating invasive species. The USDA provided critical support in the form of funding, personnel, and scientific expertise. The combined effort safeguarded pollinators, ecosystems, and industries dependent on healthy bee populations.
Despite the eradication declaration, vigilance remains a priority. In October 2024, a potential sighting was reported in Kitsap County, but officials could not confirm the hornet's presence due to a lack of specimen evidence. Similarly, an isolated detection in Snohomish County in 2020 was ruled unrelated to the Whatcom County population through DNA testing. Trapping and outreach in these areas have yielded no further evidence, but precautionary monitoring will continue in 2025.
Sven Spichiger, WSDA pest program manager, emphasized the need for continued vigilance, cautioning that although the hornets have been eradicated, there remains a possibility of their reintroduction. He highlighted that their initial arrival demonstrates they could potentially return, encouraging the community to stay watchful.
