A terrifying insect invader known as the “murder hornet” continues to spread fear across parts of the United States, particularly in Washington state. These massive wasps, measuring up to 4.4 centimeters long, first appeared in the country in 2019 and have been causing destruction ever since. Their most recent sighting occurred just miles from where they were first discovered near the Canadian border.
These aggressive hornets live up to their frightening nickname. They ruthlessly attack honeybee hives, using their powerful jaws to decapitate hundreds of bees at a time. The hornets then take over the hives to feed their young, leaving complete devastation in their wake. While they primarily target bees, their potent venom poses serious risks to humans as well. A single sting carries enough toxin to potentially kill a person, though such fatalities remain rare.
Local authorities have launched an all-out effort to stop the hornets’ spread. Entomologists are tagging captured specimens to track them back to their nests, while numerous traps have been set up across affected areas. The Washington State Department of Agriculture has been leading these containment efforts, working closely with Canadian officials near the border where sightings have been concentrated.
