Discovery Near Blaine A Concern For Beekeepers

Last month, the Washington state Department of Agriculture made a discovery that could put additional pressure on the already stressed honeybee industry.  WSDA entomologists identified a large hornet found near Blaine in the Northwest corner of the state as an Asian giant hornet (Vespa mandarinia), an invasive species not previously found in Washington.

Although it is not typically aggressive toward humans, this unwelcome pest can inflict a powerful sting and also represents a threat to honeybees, for which WSDA said they have a voracious appetite.  The invasive hornets are typically almost an inch and a half long and are distinguished by their large yellow heads.  Asian giant hornets nest in the ground.  Asian giant hornets are typically dormant over the winter, and are most often seen from July through October.

WSDA and Washington State Department of Health officials ask people in the area to be on the lookout for and take precautions to avoid contact with these large bugs.

Asian giant hornets feed on insects and are of particular concern to beekeepers because they are capable of quickly destroying honeybee hives.  This is the first time this invasive species has been detected in Washington State. In August, a large colony of Asian giant hornets was discovered and subsequently destroyed in British Columbia. The BC Ministry of Agriculture issued a pest alert about the detection in September.

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekradio.com