Invasive Hornets Officially Eradicated In Washington State

Washington state has officially eradicated the northern giant hornet, a dangerous invasive species that first appeared in the state in 2019. The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) confirmed Wednesday that no sightings have been recorded for three years, meeting the regulatory definition of eradication.

“This is a significant victory,” said WSDA pest program manager Sven-Erik Spichiger. “The last trap was removed on Dec. 5, and we can now confirm that eradication has been achieved.”

The northern giant hornet, native to Asia, is known for its deadly sting and devastating impact on honeybee populations. Dubbed the “murder hornet,” it was first detected in Whatcom County, near the Canadian border. State officials had been preparing for such an invasion since 2016 and acted quickly to mitigate the threat.

Community involvement played a vital role in the effort, as residents helped report sightings and destroy nests. Four nests were eliminated by late 2021, ensuring the hornets could not establish a permanent population.

Nicole Russo, associate deputy administrator with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, praised the collaboration between federal and state agencies. “This kind of unified effort is rare, but it’s what made this possible,” Russo said during the announcement.

The hornets pose risks not only to human safety but also to Washington’s agricultural economy, which relies on honeybee pollination. The state is a major producer of crops like apples and cherries, and pollinators contribute billions of dollars to the industry annually.
The northern giant hornet is the world’s largest hornet, with a wingspan of up to 3 inches and a stinger that can penetrate protective clothing.

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