Press releases from the U.S. Department of Agriculture or major environmental organizations

Murder Hornets Eradicated from U.S. After Five Years of Threat to Pollinators; No Detections Since 2021

Dec 18, 2024, 11:39 PM

Federal and state officials have announced the eradication of the northern giant hornet, commonly known as the 'murder hornet,' from the United States. This invasive species, first identified in Washington state five years ago, posed a serious threat to native pollinators, particularly honey bees. Officials confirmed that there have been no detections of the hornet in Washington since 2021, marking a significant milestone in the battle against this invasive species. The announcement has been met with relief as the hornet was known for its ability to decimate honey bee hives rapidly. The successful eradication effort involved extensive monitoring and control measures to eliminate the hornet population across the country.