Can the monstrous murder hornet that is going viral since making its way to the United States be the end of the world as the media paints it to be? I think not! Yes it is poisonous, yes it is enormous, yes it is scary, yes it has also reached the United States.
but what is it?
WHAT IS A MURDER HORNET?
A Japanese giant hornet is a color form of the world's largest known hornet. The Asian giant hornet was formerly considered a subspecies of Vespa mandarinia japonica since the year of1997.
Asian giant hornets were first confirmed in the United States last December 2019 after being found in Blaine, Washington. December is typically a hibernation time for this killer hornets, especially in such a cold region which would explain why they have been recently spotted again in April due to most likely an emergence from hibernation. The Hornets to date have not yet been reported in any other part of the country.
WHAT DOES THE MURDER HORNET LOOK LIKE?
This giant hornet is the largest species of hornets in the world. The "murder hornet" can reach a length of up to two inches long with a wingspan that can reach up to three inches. The long stinger around six millimeters up to ten millimeters will inflict excruciating pain while delivering a potent neurotoxin. The good news is that this species of hornet does not seem to show much interest in humans.
WILL THE STING OF A MURDER HORNET KILL ME?
It can, no doubt about it! The potent neurotoxin venom is delivered through the stinger at nearly seven times that of a honey bee. It is unfortunate because even those who are not allergic can suffer fatality from the hornet hence the dubbed nickname "THE MURDER HORNET". This does not mean that every person who is stung or bit by this hornet will suffer the same outcome.
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST THREAT OF THE MURDER HORNET?
Great question, while it is a health hazard, it is a significant predator of honey bees.
Farmers obviously depend on honey bees to pollinate many important crops and fruit trees in the region of Washington. Beekeepers will also be in danger as the stinger of the murder hornet can easily puncture through a normal beekeeper suit putting them at extreme risk as to the personal protection gear they rely upon can fail them.
MURDER HORNETS AND MY SAFETY
Again, murder hornets are the name created by the media. As the media does on almost any topic they can create a buzz on they will. The hornet is indeed deadly, this is a serious fact. The good news is it is not as much interested in humans as it is in its predatory nature to hunt honeybees. While it is only noted in the Washington area currently, it could be a major agricultural concern if it did indeed make its way to various locations of the United States. With this species as of any other hornets and bees, a pest control company is limited on how they may be able to help homeowners if this hornet should ever become a serious pest in your neighborhood. This seems to be one of those situations to watch unfold to determine the severity as only time will tell.