By Katie Nichols, Alabama Cooperative Extension System
Neighborhoods and social media are buzzing with hype as residents are concerned about “murder hornets.” Alabama Cooperative Extension System professionals would like to put the rumor to rest that they are nearby. These stinging insects have not been found in Alabama. However, the detection of Asian giant hornets is unnerving for beekeepers and residents in the Pacific Northwest.
Asian giant hornets, Vespa mandarinia, are the world’s largest hornet, measuring 1 1/2-2 inches in length.
Alabama Extension entomologist Katelyn Kesheimer said the giant hornets have a unique coloration that makes them distinguishable from other hornets.
“Their large head is orange or yellow with prominent eyes, and they have a black and yellow-striped abdomen,” she said.
Detection in the U.S.
The pest was first detected in North America in December when a Washington resident found a large, dead hornet. The hornet was confirmed to be an Asian giant hornet.
Since the positive identification, four more reports have been confirmed in Washington.
The United States Department of Agriculture, the Washington State Department of Agriculture and area universities have begun work to educate the public, conduct surveys and eradicate the hornets.
“Their goal is to eradicate the pest before it becomes established,” Kesheimer said. Asian giant hornet biology Asian giant hornets are native to Asia.
The hornets are social insects and maintain underground colonies with one queen and multiple workers. Nests “These nests are difficult to locate,” Kesheimer said. “Nests are often formed in pre-existing holes in the ground, like a rodent’s nest.” The hornets will also nest in hollowed tree trunks or in the roots of dead trees.
Colony protection
Much like the fire ant — with which Alabamians are very familiar — the queens are colony leaders. They are able to disperse and produce offspring. Therefore, a solitary queen begins a nest and then populates it with workers. Kesheimer said the key to controlling a colony is to kill the queen.
Threats to humans
Kesheimer said Asian giant hornets will attack if their colonies or food sources are threatened.
“It is important to remember that these hornets are not typically aggressive toward humans,” Kesheimer said.
Many people have had experience with honeybee stings — the short, barbed stinger becomes lodged in the skin and allows for only one sting. The stinger on V. mandarinia is much larger and contains more venom than bee stingers. The Asian giant hornet stinger has a curved shape with fewer barbs to allow for easier entry. This means the hornets can sting more than once.
Kesheimer said the average beekeeping suit will not protect keepers from this pest.
“Anyone with an allergy should take extra precautions around any bees or wasps and seek medical attention when and if needed,” she said. “It is important to remain calm when it comes to any types of bees or wasps. Remember, Asian giant hornets only become aggressive when their nest or food source is threatened.”