The Washington State Department of Agriculture has not detected northern giant hornets in the past three years. The “murder hornet” species, formerly known as Asian giant hornets, has been eradicated from the United States after being first identified in the country five years ago. The invasive species was initially found in British Columbia, Canada, in August 2019, and later confirmed in Washington state in December 2019. DNA evidence indicated that the specimens from these locations originated from different countries.
Concerns about the threat posed by these hornets to native insects and honey bees led to eradication efforts. After three years without any confirmed sightings, both the Washington State Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Agriculture declared the hornets eradicated. The largest hornet in the world, measuring up to 2 inches in length, was considered more dangerous than a honey bee due to its sting.
Several hornet nests were found and eradicated in Washington state in 2020 and 2021. Despite a suspicious sighting in Kitsap County in 2024, no new hornets were detected in the area. Efforts to trap these hornets will continue in 2025 as a precautionary measure. The Washington State Department of Agriculture emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant and encouraged community members to report any sightings. Please rewrite this sentence.
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