Official announcements from the U.S. Department of Agriculture or relevant state departments

'Murder Hornets' Eradicated from the United States as of December 18, 2024, After Nearly Five Years

Dec 25, 2024, 10:00 PM

'Murder hornets,' known scientifically as the Asian giant hornet, have been officially eradicated from the United States, as confirmed by the U.S. and Washington Departments of Agriculture. This announcement comes nearly five years after the hornets were first sighted in Washington state. The eradication marks a significant milestone in efforts to control the invasive species, which posed threats to local ecosystems and honeybee populations. An entomologist commented on the achievement, describing it as 'a rare day' where humans have succeeded in overcoming a challenge posed by insects. The announcement was made on December 18, 2024, reflecting a concerted effort to eliminate the species from the country.