Everything You Need to Know About Murder Hornets
Image via Flickr by Gilles San Martin
Long before Washington State’s honeybees came under attack from the Asian giant hornet (Vespa mandarinia), these insects were already wreaking havoc in rural Japan. In fact, each year, many people die from hornet attacks in Japan. Now, they’ve shown up in the US. The nickname “Murder Hornet” is fitting, especially after seeing videos and pictures of how these insects rip honeybees apart. The Asian giant hornet originates from Asia and happens to be the largest of the hornet species. They have a very aggressive nature and prey on smaller size insects including mantises, large beetles, and other hornet species. But they mostly feed on honey bees and are able to wipe out an entire beehive.
Murder hornets will not attack humans or pets unless they have a reason to. If they sense any threat, they can attack and sting repeatedly. When compared to other insects, the Asian giant hornet has a more lethal sting that contains neurotoxins.
Features of Asian giant hornets
Murder hornets measure around 1.5-2 inches long but it is common to see their queens grow longer. They have a wingspan of around 3-inches and their stingers measure up to ¼-inch in length. This species comes with very sharp mandibles and prominent eyes on their large, orange-yellow head. They also have an abdomen on which you find yellow and dark brown stripes. People tend to be confused about them because they look like European hornets or bald-faced hornets. Asian giant hornets like to reside underground and it can be difficult to see their nests. That’s because they have the ability to dig very deep into the ground when building their nest. They can also reside inside tunnels made by rodents. Their favorite spot is usually near tree roots that have rotted.
Should You Be Wary of Murder Hornets?
As of now, murder hornets are not fully established in the US. So, there’s a very slim possibility of encountering these insects anywhere else in the US apart from Washington state. But should these hornets officially become invasive, it could result in very adverse effects both for public health and local environments. At present, other insects like yellow jackets and wasps present more risks to US residents. More than five hundred thousand people have to visit the emergency room each year because of these pests. You can find them throughout the United States.
What Can You Do to Protect Yourself?
One of the best ways to protect yourself is to get acquainted with what the Asian giant hornets look like. Try to know all you can about their features and how they differ from other insects. If you ever spot a murder hornet where you live, don’t make the mistake of using pesticides or trying to remove the nest yourself. There also isn’t any need to cut down trees. That’s because you’ll be putting other wildlife at risk. Instead, contact a professional pest management team to verify your sightings and initiate a necessary action plan. Removing bees or hornets of any type should be done in a safe manner.
Reach Out to Your Rochester Hills Pest Control Experts
When you need bee removal, or any other type of pest control, in Rochester Hills, Michigan, or surrounding areas, reach out to Solidified Pest Control. We look forward to helping you with all your pest removal needs. Whether you need Rochester Hills pest control or rodent control in Michigan, we can handle it all. You can easily reach one of our helpful pest control technicians by phoning us at (866) 614-6762 or by filling out our online form. We answer most calls same-day and we will take care of your pest problem fast.
