A Milestone in Invasive Species Eradication

After five years of relentless effort, the northern giant hornet (Vespa mandarinia) has been eradicated from Washington State and the United States. The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) and USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced this landmark achievement today. The announcement marked a significant victory in the ongoing fight against invasive species.

The northern giant hornet first captured national attention in late 2019 when it was detected near Blaine, Washington. Known for its ability to decimate a honey bee colony within hours, the hornet posed a serious threat to pollinators and all the life they support. However, this invasive predator is no longer a threat thanks to the collaborative efforts of APHIS, WSDA, researchers, and the public.

APHIS played a critical role in the eradication effort, providing essential funding, personnel, and scientific expertise. The agency also shared advanced technologies, such as telemetry tags that APHIS initially used for tracking the invasive spotted lanternfly. These tags were pivotal in locating the hornet’s nests. Live hornets were tagged and tracked as they flew through dense forests, leading teams to their hidden nests, primarily found inside alder trees.

“This success demonstrates what’s possible when agencies and communities unite toward a common goal,” said Dr. Mark Davidson, Deputy Administrator for APHIS’ Plant Protection and Quarantine Program. “By tackling this threat head-on, we protected not only pollinators and crops but also the industries, communities, and ecosystems that depend on them.”

Ron Wilson