Last year, Asian Giant Hornets or “murder hornets” were spotted in Washington and British Columbia, and these two-inch long hornets have made a name for themselves over the last few weeks.
These hornets are native to Eastern Russia, Japan, China, and Southeast Asian countries, inhabiting lower-lying mountains and forests, and burrowing underground to nest. Suitable conditions like these can be found in the Pacific Northwest, so it is possible the bugs could find themselves making nests here. They often feed on other insects such as bees and mantises, which is concerning for the honeybee populations around the world.
The hornets can handily destroy a beehive, especially those of the common honey bees found in the US. When one hornet finds its way inside a beehive, bees can group together and kill the hornet, however, more hornets can make their way into the nest by tracing pheromones left by the first hornet, resulting in the hive being unable to withstand the large number of hornets. Left untreated, it is likely that the hornets could devastate the already dwindling honeybee populations, which are vital to pollination and food production
The hornets can be fatal to humans as well, killing around 50 people per year in Japan. The sting is often reported by victims to be extremely painful. Nature show host Nathaniel Peterson, often referred to as “Coyote Peterson,” described the pain as “searing” in a video where he is stung by the insect.
Murder hornets can be dangerous, but as of now, the Asian Giant Hornet is not going to ravage the US. There have been no reports of the insect since last December. While the hornets could prove dangerous to honey bees if they establish a population in North America, the hornets have not yet been well established and any nests spotted of the insect have been destroyed.
“There is a reason for concern, but it’s not the level of threat that people think there is,” entomologist Doug Yanega told the Los Angeles Times.
These hornets may look intimidating, but they do not appear to be a threat at the moment. Rather just another flashy headline to draw attention, and another reason to make 2020 seem bleaker than it already is. For now, these bugs can be left to those who have the expertise to eliminate them while they are weak. It is more important to focus on more pressing matters, like the coronavirus and keeping six feet apart.
