Northern Giant Hornets Eradicated After Multi-Year Battle

Washington state has declared the northern giant hornet eradicated, following three years without any confirmed sightings of the invasive insect. The announcement, made by the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) on Wednesday, marks the end of an effort that began when the hornets were first detected in 2019.

Sven-Erik Spichiger, WSDA pest program manager, announced the milestone, saying, “The last trap was removed on Dec. 5, and we can officially confirm eradication. This is a significant achievement for everyone who contributed.”

The northern giant hornet, sometimes called the “murder hornet,” was first spotted in Whatcom County, near the Canadian border. Native to Asia, the hornet is known for its devastating attacks on honeybee colonies and its potentially deadly sting.

Washington began preparing for invasive species like the northern giant hornet in 2016, following reports of fatal hornet attacks in China. When the insect appeared in 2019, a coordinated effort involving community members, state officials and federal agencies worked to trap and destroy nests. Four nests were eliminated in Whatcom County by 2021.

Nicole Russo, an official with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, highlighted the collaboration between local and federal groups. “Without the support of the WSDA and the residents of Whatcom County, this outcome would not have been possible,” Russo said.

The hornets’ ability to destroy honeybee colonies posed a significant threat to Washington’s agriculture, which relies heavily on pollination for crops like apples, cherries and blueberries.

The northern giant hornet is the largest in the world, with a body up to 2 inches long and a stinger capable of piercing protective clothing.

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