The Asian Giant Hornet, nicknamed the “Murder Hornet”, is the worlds largest hornet. It was first confirmed in the United States in December. Despite the name they pose little threat to humans. Although they have a painful sting, they are no more dangerous than any American Hornet. Around 40 people a year in Asia, mostly Japan, die from reactions to the stings. The sting is more painful and toxic than a honey bees. Some have said it had felt like a hot nail that was driven into your skin. The venom in the sting is both neurotoxic and necrotic. It attacks the nervous system and destroys the tissues. These hornets are only dangerous if provoked and tend to keep to themselves unless threatened.
The queens can grow up to 2 inches long and their quarter inch stingers can pierce normal beekeeping attire. They hibernate during the winter and emerge again in April. The hives are typically found underground, the scout will find a honey bee hive and mark the target with a pheromone that attracts its compatriots. They have an aggressive nature towards social insects. They’re predators that have the potential to kill up to 40 honey bees a minute during an attack, tearing off their heads and feeding on their torsos. They are capable of massacring an entire honey bee hive in a matter of hours.
These hornets are fond of forest like and rainy environments, making Washington similar to their normal habitat. Unless they find themselves in a shipping container the chances of them showing up in Florida is slim. Otherwise they would have to travel across the country through environments they wouldn’t normally survive in.
