USDA – Animal & Plant Inspection Service

"Murder hornets," formally known as Asian giant hornets (Vespa mandarinia), are the largest hornet species in the world, originating from parts of Asia including Japan, and they have been spotted in North America in recent years, particularly in the Pacific Northwest. They possess a powerful sting that can be extremely painful and potentially fatal to humans, especially if someone is stung multiple times or has an allergic reaction to the venom. However, their moniker "murder hornets" is largely derived from their predatory behavior towards honeybees. Asian giant hornets are known to decimate honeybee colonies in a very short period, which is where the real ecological concern arises. Honeybees play a critical role in many ecosystems, as they are prolific pollinators of a wide variety of plants, including many crops that humans rely on for food. A decline in honeybee populations due to predation by Asian giant hornets could potentially have cascading negative effects on ecosystems and agriculture. It could lead to decreased pollination, reduced crop yields, and, consequently, a significant impact on agricultural economies. Moreover, the introduction of a non-native species can often result in unexpected and unpredictable impacts on native wildlife and plants, disrupting established relationships and balances in local ecosystems, and sometimes leading to the decline or elimination of native species. For these reasons, there are concerted efforts in areas where the hornets have been spotted to track and eradicate them to protect local ecosystems and agriculture.

‍

Yes, pyrethroid pesticides are among the pesticides used to control a wide variety of pest insects, including the Asian giant hornets or "murder hornets." Pyrethroids are synthetic chemicals modeled after pyrethrins, which are natural insecticides derived from chrysanthemum flowers. These pesticides target the nervous systems of insects, effectively shutting them down, and are favored for their effectiveness against a wide range of pests and their relatively low toxicity to humans and other mammals. However, it is essential for applicators to use these pesticides judiciously and in accordance with regulatory guidelines to minimize environmental impacts and harm to non-target organisms, including beneficial insects like pollinators. In the case of invasive species like the Asian giant hornet, the use of such pesticides can be a crucial tool in efforts to protect native ecosystems and agricultural areas from the destructive impacts of these hornets. It's also essential to pair pesticide use with other integrated pest management strategies to effectively control pest populations and mitigate potential harms.