Northern giant hornet declared eradicated in WA, US, officials confirm
WASHINGTON - The Washington State Department of Agriculture and the United States Department of Agriculture announced the successful eradication of the northern giant hornet (previously known as a "murder hornet" or Asian giant hornet) from Washington state and the U.S.
After three years without confirmed detections, officials declared the invasive species eradicated on Wednesday.
"We’re pleased to announce the eradication of the northern giant hornet in Washington state," said Derek Sandison, WSDA director. "This success is the result of years of hard work, collaboration, and support from local communities and agencies at every level."
Keep reading to learn more about the eradication efforts and what this means for Washington.
A collaborative effort
The multiyear eradication campaign began in 2019 after the hornet was first detected in North America in British Columbia, Canada, and Washington. The effort involved federal, state and local governments, as well as community members, particularly in Whatcom County, where the hornets were concentrated.
According to WSDA, public involvement was crucial to the eradication effort, with half of the confirmed detections originating from community reports.
"Without the public’s support, this outcome would have been unlikely," said Sven Spichiger, WSDA pest program manager.
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Why it matters
The northern giant hornet posed a severe threat to native pollinators, including honey bees.
Capable of destroying entire hives within 90 minutes, the hornets jeopardized agriculture and ecosystems dependent on pollination. Their venomous sting also posed a danger to human health.
WSDA eradicated the first U.S. hornet nest in October 2020 and eliminated three more in 2021, all located in alder tree cavities. Despite extensive trapping and outreach through 2024, no additional hornets were detected.
Vigilance moving forward
Although the hornets are officially eradicated, WSDA will continue monitoring to prevent reintroduction. Trapping efforts in Whatcom County will also persist, and precautionary measures will extend to areas like Kitsap County, where a suspicious sighting was reported but not confirmed in 2024.
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"While we celebrate this victory, we remain vigilant. These hornets got here once and could do so again," Spichiger said.
Historical context
DNA evidence suggests the hornets were introduced to North America through two separate events, one in British Columbia and the other in Washington. The hornets were first detected in December 2019, sparking an aggressive eradication effort to prevent establishment.
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