If you’re even remotely like me, you’ll probably be wary of anything that flies, makes a lot of noise, or might sting.
Don’t get me wrong, I recognize the important role that insects like wasps and bees play in our environment, but that doesn’t mean I like having them buzz around my picnic blanket when I’m trying to have a relaxing meal outside in the sun.
I’m not alone in feeling this way, which is why I’m feeling a little uneasy about the worrying reports of dangerous insect species on the rise. If you want to know more, keep on reading!
Reports suggesting that the Asian gigantic hornet, popularly known as the notorious “murder hornet,” is about to invade the United States have become more frequent in recent years.
This horrifying winged insect was first observed in the United States in 2019, and reports of sightings have continued ever since. Those who would normally recoil at the sight of a standard yellow jacket now fear this insect.
The most recent confirmed sighting, according to reports, happened in August 2021 in Washington. The murder hornet is nothing to be taken lightly, as its sting is comparable to that of three to ten yellow jackets at once.
The Asian giant hornet, which is renowned for its ability to completely destroy beehives and frequently decapitate thousands of bees in a single swipe, is a serious danger to bee populations.
In addition, as was already mentioned, murder hornets have a very strong sting that can also be harmful to people. The murder hornet’s sting can be fatal to humans, despite its rarity.
The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) has taken preventative action to mitigate the impending threat posed by this new pest in reaction to the 2019 incident in Washington.
After the event, entomologists came up with a scheme to tag wasps that were captured and then tracked back to their nests so that the species might be eliminated.
Watch the educational video below for additional information about murder hornets: