In recent years, the United States has faced an unsettling and deadly menace in the form of the enormous killer wasp, aptly known as the “murder hornet.” This invasive and highly destructive insect, regarded as the world’s largest and most hazardous of its kind, first appeared in the country in 2019, and has since spread dread and disaster.

This scary beast was last seen in Washington in 2021. The finding caused shockwaves throughout the region, as this “murder hornet” displayed aggressive behavior by attacking anything in its way. This bug, measuring 4.4 centimeters in length, was discovered on August 11, just 3.2 kilometers from where it was first reported in December 2019, near Blaine, Washington, according to the Washington State Department of Agriculture.

As the frightening term implies, these hornets are capable of wiping out entire beehives. Their enormous giant mandibles allow them to murder and decapitate hundreds of bees, seizing control of the hive and protecting it as their own. They mercilessly break apart the brood to feed their offspring, causing havoc in their wake. Adding to the danger, the venom from a single sting can kill a human.

These “murder hornets” inject copious amounts of poison into their target. While human deaths from a single sting are uncommon, the risk remains concerning.
In response to this concerning development, the WSDA has taken steps to counteract the threat. Live traps are being set up in the area, and entomologists intend to tag captured wasps to follow them back to their nests.

The proximity of this observation to the US-Canada border has spurred officials in that region to place additional traps to prevent the spread of these lethal insects. The appearance and spread of the huge killer wasp, sometimes known as the “murder hornet,” serves as a sharp reminder of the constant hazards that nature poses. With the potential to decimate bee numbers and endanger humans, efforts to monitor, control, and mitigate this invasive species are critical to protecting ecosystems and public safety.