After three years without confirmed detections, the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) have officially declared the northern giant hornet (Vespa mandarinia) eradicated from Washington and the United States. This significant achievement was the result of a multiyear effort that began in 2019 and involved extensive collaboration between state, federal, and international government agencies, as well as strong support from community members and groups, particularly in Whatcom County.
Derek Sandison, WSDA director, expressed his pride in the team that dedicated years of hard work to safeguarding the state and the nation from this invasive threat to native pollinators and agriculture. He also acknowledged the federal, state, and local support that contributed to this feat, emphasizing that the success was the result of collective efforts.
Dr. Mark Davidson, Deputy Administrator at USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, hailed this eradication as a landmark victory in the fight against invasive species. He highlighted the crucial role played by USDA in providing funding, technology, personnel, research support, and scientific expertise that helped WSDA eradicate the pest. By uniting agencies and communities towards a common goal, the eradication effort successfully protected pollinators, crops, and the industries, communities, and ecosystems that rely on them.
The public’s support was instrumental in the eradication of the northern giant hornet, as Sven Spichiger, WSDA pest program manager, pointed out. Public reports led to the detection of nests, with half of the confirmed detections coming from community members. Spichiger emphasized the importance of collaboration and unity in achieving this milestone.
The potential threat posed by the hornets to honey bees, other pollinators, and native insects was significant. A honey bee hive could be decimated in as little as 90 minutes by these hornets, who also present a danger to human health due to the severity of their sting compared to that of a honey bee.
In Kitsap County, a community member reported a suspicious hornet sighting in October 2024, south of Port Orchard. Despite not obtaining a specimen, WSDA placed traps in the area and conducted outreach to encourage reports of additional sightings. No further evidence of hornets was found, but trapping will continue in 2025 as a precautionary measure.
A similar situation occurred in 2020 in Snohomish County, where a single hornet specimen was found. However, DNA evidence ruled out any connection to the Whatcom County detections, and no additional hornets were discovered in Snohomish County. Spichiger emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant and urged community members to report any suspected sightings.
The history of the northern giant hornet’s presence in North America dates back to its initial detection in British Columbia, Canada, in August 2019, followed by confirmation in Washington state in December of the same year. Despite eradication efforts and the discovery of several nests, no additional hornets were detected in Whatcom County through 2024.
This successful eradication of the northern giant hornet signifies a significant achievement in the protection of native ecosystems, agriculture, and pollinators. The collaborative efforts of government agencies, community members, and various stakeholders were crucial in achieving this milestone. Moving forward, continued vigilance and cooperation will be essential to prevent the reestablishment of this invasive species in the region.