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United States Eradicate ‘Murder Hornets’
Context:
The Northern giant hornet (Vespa mandarinia) has been eradicated in the United States, according to the Department of Agriculture (USDA). It was first spotted in Washington state near the Canadian border in 2019.
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The public played a crucial role in the eradication effort by reporting sightings and agreeing to place traps at their residences. This community involvement was instrumental in locating and eliminating the nests.
Understanding the Threat of Murder Hornets:
- Murder hornets, native to Asia, first appeared in the United States in 2019 when they were spotted in Washington state near the Canadian border.
- These hornets, which can grow up to 2 inches long, pose a significant threat to bees and agriculture.
- They are known for their powerful sting, which can deliver almost seven times the amount of venom as a honey bee, and their ability to decimate entire beehives within 90 minutes.
Eradication Efforts:
- A coordinated effort by state, federal, and international agencies was launched to eradicate the hornets.
- The first task was to locate the hornet nests, which proved challenging as they were typically found in forested areas and underground cavities.
- Tracking the Hornets: Entomologists used radio tags on live hornets to track them back to their nests.
- Nest Destruction: Upon finding the nests, the team used foam to plug the nest, wrapped the tree in plastic, and vacuumed out the hornets. Carbon dioxide was used to kill any remaining hornets.
Impact and Future Outlook:
- The USDA declared the eradication of murder hornets after three years without any confirmed sightings. While this is a significant achievement, officials remain vigilant, as the hornets could potentially reappear.
- The eradication of murder hornets is a testament to what can be achieved when agencies and communities unite towards a common goal. Continuous vigilance is necessary to prevent the re-introduction of these invasive insects.
