The invasive insect, also more colloquially known as “murder hornets,” has now been declared eradicated in the United States. The declaration came from agricultural authorities on December 18, 2024, marking a significant milestone in the battle against invasive pests that threaten local ecosystems and agriculture. First detected in Washington state in 2019, the hornets are an immediate concern because they can decimate honey bee populations and inflict painful stings.
Background on the northern giant hornet
This northern giant hornet is up to 2 inches in length and became infamous for its invader mentality: its aggressive behavior and very painful sting. It kills honey bees en masse, creating a menace to pollination and, therefore, agriculture. The hornet was first spotted in British Columbia, Canada, then confirmed later in the year in Washington state. That it had the capacity to destroy entire bee colonies within hours brought another level of urgency to the efforts at eradication.
Its eradication effort required coordination between federal, state, and local entities. Members of the public were actively involved; citizens were called upon to make reports and set traps around their properties. Through a concerted effort, entomologists, for a period spanning five years, were able to trace the presence of several nests and conduct a proper eradication, culminating in the recent announcement.
Symptoms of killer wasps’ sting
While the northern giant hornet is primarily a danger to bees, its sting is potentially dangerous to humans as well. The symptoms of a wasp sting can vary significantly based on individual reactions and whether the person has an allergy to wasp venom.
Normal reactions
For most people without allergies, a wasp sting will simply cause:
- Pain: A sharp pain at the site of the sting that usually subsides within a few hours.
- Swelling: A raised welt may develop around the site of the sting.
- Itching: Light itching can occur as part of the body’s inflammatory response.
Allergic reactions
For individuals allergic or sensitive to wasp stings, symptoms can be much worse:
- Severe swelling: There can be severe swelling of the face, lips, or throat.
- Hives: Itchy welts can occur on parts of the body that were not in direct contact with the sting.
- Shortness of breath: This is a symptom of anaphylaxis and must be treated with emergency care.
- Tachycardia and hypotension: These will cause shock if not immediately addressed.
- Gastrointestinal effects: Other symptoms of severe allergy are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramping36.
Public health impact
Despite their dangerous reputation, deaths due to wasp stings are rare in the United States, with an estimated 72 human deaths from both bee and hornet stings combined. Nevertheless, the possibility of fatal allergic reactions means that great caution is warranted when encountering these insects.
This has come as a relief to many beekeepers and other agricultural stakeholders who had feared losing their livelihoods to these invasive pests. Agricultural authorities have, however, made it clear that even though this species has now been eradicated, monitoring will have to be continuously undertaken. Other invasive hornet species may still pose threats in other regions.
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