American chestnuts are on the brink of extinction in the US
- The northern giant hornet was first reported in Washington state in December 2019.
- Efforts from citizens and scientists led to the detection and destruction of nests.
- The eradication represents a rare triumph in the battle against invasive species.
In December 2019, the northern giant hornet, known as the 'murder hornet,' was first confirmed in the U.S. after a resident in Washington state reported a specimen. This invasive species poses a serious threat to honey bee populations, capable of destroying a hive in just hours. In 2021, there were no detections of the hornet in Washington, and recent reports indicate that both Washington and British Columbia, Canada, have also seen no confirmed sightings since then. The eradication was the result of efforts by local residents, researchers, and government agencies, culminating in the destruction of hornet nests and public awareness campaigns. This achievement marks a significant victory for entomologists, who noted that it is rare for humans to succeed in combating invasive insect species. The ongoing vigilance in monitoring potential sightings of other invasive hornets remains critical, as states like Georgia and South Carolina are currently dealing with different hornet species. Continued efforts will be necessary to ensure that the conflict with invasive hornets does not resurface in the future.