‘Murder Hornets’ Officially Eradicated From Washington

Washington state officials have officially eradicated the northern giant hornet, a destructive invasive species first detected in 2019. The insect, commonly referred to as the “murder hornet,” posed threats to both human safety and agriculture.

Sven-Erik Spichiger of the Washington State Department of Agriculture announced the milestone Wednesday. “The last trap was removed on Dec. 5th, with no additional findings since 2021,” Spichiger said, calling it a “significant victory.”

The hornet’s arrival sparked widespread concern due to its size — up to 2 inches long — and its deadly impact on honeybee populations. The hornet was also responsible for dozens of deaths annually in its native Asia. Its potential impact on Washington’s crops made eradication a top priority for state officials.

In 2021, four nests were discovered and destroyed in Whatcom County, near the Canadian border. The hornet’s elimination required collaboration between state and federal agencies, as well as the public’s help in monitoring and reporting sightings.

Nicole Russo of the U.S. Department of Agriculture credited the effort’s success to this teamwork. “Without the close collaboration we enjoyed with our partners at WSDA, this would not have been possible,” she said.

Officials emphasized that failure to act swiftly could have allowed the hornet to establish a permanent foothold in the region, which would have threatened both human safety and Washington’s agricultural economy.

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