The Buzz About Asian Giant Hornets

Contributed by Katie Johnson, Community engagement coordinator with Lummi Island Heritage Trust

In May, the New York Times introduced the country to “Murder Hornets,” alerting the rest of the nation about the discovery of Asian Giant Hornets in Washington State. Many folks are quick to buy into the bad name and the media has created widespread panic. The issue is a serious one for Whatcom County. The nickname murder hornet is causing more problems for pollinators, who are already suffering. British Columbian bee keeper, Paul van Westendorp tells us the Asian Giant Hornet, "is a very formidable character. They are very fierce but very few. They are not overrunning the landscape out here."

Bee populations are in decline, particularly those that pollinate crops, due to a complex interplay of climate change, farming practices, parasites, and pesticides. Our pollinators are incredibly important, helping supply one out of every three bites of food. A frenzied backlash could lead to serious decline in important insect populations. Doug Yanega, an entomologist at the University of California at Riverside, remarks “Millions and millions of innocent native insects are going to die as a result of this.” According to the Washington Post, Google search results for phrases like “hornet spray,” and “how to kill hornets” are coming in at 20-30 times their usual number of searches.

With so much propaganda circulating, here’s the real buzz on the Asian Giant Hornet and what the Heritage Trust plans to do about them.

Just last week, the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) confirmed another finding of an Asian Giant Hornet in Custer. A woman was walking and spotted the dead hornet on the ground. This specimen was examined by experts and was determined to be a mated queen. Locals can breathe a sigh of relief in knowing that any colony she might have started would not survive without her.

Bee-come part of the solution

Lummi Island Heritage Trust is working with the WSDA to set traps at the Aiston, Baker, Curry, and Otto Preserves to monitor for Asian Giant Hornets. We are seeking dedicated volunteers who are willing to monitor one preserve site, consisting of two traps, over a consecutive four week period. Training and materials will be provided. Would you like to join in on this citizen science effort? Are you interested in the health and welfare of our Island honeybees? Bee-come part of the solution and volunteer your time to monitor for Asian Giant Hornets on Lummi Island.

If it is hairy, it it not a hornet

The Asian giant hornet, Vespa mandarinia, is the largest species of hornet in the world measuring 1.5-2 inches long. They attack and destroy the hives of honey bees, able to clear out a hive in a matter of hours. Although not typically aggressive towards humans, they will attack if provoked and are capable of multiple stings and venomous biting. Their recent arrival in Whatcom County could have serious impacts for the local agriculture, economy, and environment.