Northern Giant Hornets Eliminated From Washington State

The northern giant hornet, a destructive invasive species first detected in Washington in 2019, has been officially eradicated, state officials announced Wednesday. Known as the “murder hornet,” the insect posed significant threats to human safety and honeybees vital to the state’s agriculture.

Sven-Erik Spichiger, pest program manager for the Washington State Department of Agriculture, confirmed the success of the eradication effort. “And now we can officially say that eradication has been achieved,” Spichiger said, noting the absence of sightings for three years.

The hornet is the world’s largest, with a body measuring up to 2 inches and a sting that can penetrate protective clothing. It is responsible for dozens of deaths annually in Asia and threatened to devastate pollinator populations in Washington.

In 2021, four nests were destroyed in Whatcom County, marking the last confirmed activity. Officials said community involvement, including trapping and monitoring efforts, was crucial to the hornet’s elimination.

Nicole Russo, associate deputy administrator with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, highlighted the collaboration between local, state and federal partners. “Without them, we would not be here,” she said, praising the teamwork that made the eradication possible.

Experts noted that failure to act swiftly could have allowed the hornet to establish a permanent presence, endangering crops and ecosystems. This rare victory underscores the importance of proactive management of invasive species.