WSDA Investigating Potential Northern Giant Hornet Spotting

The Washington State Department of Agriculture is investigating a possible northern giant hornet sighting in the Burley area near Port Orchard.  This invasive species is a known predator of honeybees.  The northern giant hornet is the largest hornet in the world, measuring up to 2 inches long.  This invasive species, native to Asia, generally doesn't attack people unless it feels threatened.  However, it can destroy a honeybee hive in just a few hours, posing an indirect threat to plants that depend on honeybees for pollination.

The northern giant hornet was first reported in the Vancouver Island area of Canada in August 2019 and was first reported in the northwest corner of Washington in 2020.  WSDA urges residents in the area to stay informed and report any potential sightings to the WSDA either on the Department's Website or by E-mailing the WSDA.

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