Whatever Became of the So-Called Murder Hornets?
If you remember the summer of 2020, you probably remember the frenzy surrounding “murder hornets.” They were splashed all over headlines, scaring people with their ominous name and their potential to wreak havoc on bee populations. The Asian giant hornet, also known as the murder hornet, seemed to come out of nowhere while invading North America. Fast forward a few years, and you may be wondering—whatever happened to these terrifying insects?
Well, after a lot of buzz (pun intended), the situation has calmed down a bit. These hornets, which made their first North American appearance in 2019, are now considered eradicated in the U.S. and Canada. But that doesn’t mean the saga of the murder hornets is over. Here’s what’s happened since we all learned about these formidable invaders, and what we can expect in the future.
A Dreaded Arrival
Image via Unsplash/Meggyn Pomerleau
The first confirmed sighting of the Asian giant hornet in the U.S. came in December 2019, in Washington State. These hornets aren’t your garden-variety wasps. They’re massive. They can grow up to 2 inches long, and they can destroy entire beehives in just a few hours.
That’s what gave them their nickname, “murder hornet,” though, in reality, their sting is more dangerous to people who are allergic to venom or who get stung multiple times.
The hornets first appeared on Vancouver Island in Canada in 2019, and scientists quickly realized how dangerous they could be to wildlife. These hornets could wipe out native honeybee populations, which are already struggling due to disease, habitat loss, and pesticide use.
Their deadly hunting style involves decapitating bees by the dozens in brutal raids. So, as you might expect, the arrival of these insects caused quite a stir.
The Battle to Eradicate the Hornets
Once the hornets set up shop in Washington State, officials launched an all-out battle to find and destroy their nests. The thing is, they can travel fast and far. They may reach up to 20 miles in a single day, and they have a tendency to hide their nests in remote locations. Finding and eliminating them proved to be no easy task.
The first nest was discovered and destroyed in 2020. Over the next few years, officials continued their efforts by tracking hornet sightings, setting traps, and asking the public to help report any new findings.
It wasn’t long before the public answered. Beekeepers and concerned citizens were on high alert. It wasn’t until 2021 that a crucial breakthrough came when researchers successfully tagged a hornet and followed it back to a nest hidden in a tree.
Authorities found and destroyed four hornet nests between 2020 and 2021. In 2022, they set 1,000 traps across the state. By 2023, they managed to track down another nest containing nearly 1,500 hornets, all in various stages of development. As time went on, sightings of the hornets became less frequent, and officials started to breathe a sigh of relief. By the end of 2024, the hornets were officially declared eradicated in the U.S. and Canada.
Eradicating the hornets required a coordinated, multi-year effort. Federal, state, and local agencies teamed up with entomologists and beekeepers; even scientific research was needed.
But Don’t Celebrate Just Yet
While the hornets have been declared eradicated, experts quickly point out that this doesn’t necessarily mean they’re gone for good. The hornets can reappear. There are still occasional reports of sightings, and the public is urged to remain vigilant. The fact that no new nests have been discovered in recent years is a good sign.
The Legacy of the Murder Hornets
Image via Unsplash/Michelle McEwen
What did we learn from the arrival of the murder hornets? For one, it highlighted the dangers of invasive species. These hornets arrived unexpectedly and began wreaking havoc on the local ecosystem. They not only threatened the honeybees that are vital to our agriculture but also created public panic. But, perhaps most importantly, the murder hornets showed us how quickly invasive species can establish themselves in new environments.
The hornets’ eradication is a victory for science and the public alike. But it also reminds us that nature is unpredictable, and we need to be ready for whatever new threats may come our way. As for the hornets, well, their impact on North America has been largely contained for now.