Murder hornets may be back this summer & there’s now a tip line if you see one

Remember when we all thought 2020 couldn’t get any worse and then the murder hornets showed up? Well, it looks like they’re not quite done with us yet. Because entomologists at the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) think that Asian giant hornets could be found in areas beyond Whatcom County this summer. Ruh-roh.

They think this because these hornets are quite strong flyers. But the bad news about this is that if they’re found outside of Whatcom County, it will be the first time these pests have been found in other areas of the state. This isn’t necessarily a threat to public safety but it is a huge threat to our state’s bee population. In case you didn’t know, these hornets get their names because they infiltrate and kill beehives.

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They’re such a big threat that a murder hornet tip line was created last week. This means if you see something, say something even if you’re not 100% sure that what you’re seeing is an Asian giant hornet. It’s better to play it safe than sorry when it comes to protecting our state’s pollinators.

Scientists will use the information from the public to track and kill murder hornets starting this July. So if you or someone you know, sees one, call (800) 443-6684 or email hornets@agr.wa.gov. We hope that 2021 can be a hornet-free summer but that is banking on all of us keeping our eyes peeled. Click here to learn more.