In a major victory for pollinators and ecosystems, officials have declared the northern giant hornet, also known as the “murder hornet”, eradicated from the U.S. after five years of coordinated efforts. The aggressive invasive species, first spotted in Washington state in 2019, posed a serious threat to honey bee populations, capable of destroying entire hives in just 90 minutes.
Success came through community involvement, scientific ingenuity, and relentless monitoring. Residents helped by setting traps and reporting sightings, while researchers tracked hornets using tiny radio tags tied with dental floss to locate and eliminate nests. Since 2021, no further detections have been made in Washington or neighboring British Columbia, where the species is also considered eradicated.
This victory showcases the power of community action and scientific innovation in protecting ecosystems from invasive species. With continued vigilance, experts and residents alike can help ensure that pollinators and native wildlife thrive for generations to come.