"Murder" Hornets: The Good, the Bad, and the Reality

Asian Hornets (a.k.a) "Murder" Hornets, are not present in the DMV. Or even close.

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The name "Murder Hornet" is not appropriate or responsible
Washington, DC beekeepers are not worried about this insect.
There is no reason for residents of this area and most of the United States to be concerned. We will update information here should that change.

The Good

Asian Hornets are not called "murder" hornets in Japan, their home. They have been in Europe for over 15 years, where they are also just "Asian Hornets."
They have been found alive in North America only once (in Canada). That nest was destroyed. A single dead Asian Hornet was found in Washington State in 2019 (almost 3,000 miles away).
Professional teams of trained entomologists and nearby beekeepers are monitoring the situation and ready to take action if necessary.
Successful monitoring and detection efforts have limited their spread elsewhere, and similar techniques will work here (if necessary).
Where Asian hornets are present, people are told to seek treatment only if they receive 10 stings or more, and are unlikely to suffer significant medical issues from fewer than 30 stings. In their native region, fewer than 1 person in 5 million annually dies as a result of an Asian hornet sting.
You are 552 times more likely to die as a result of a crime in Washington than you are to die of an Asian hornet sting in Japan (where most of them are). So if you are going to worry, worry about Murder Humans.

The Bad

People are killing beneficial, local insects for no reason! We understand that many bugs look the same to non-beekeepers and this is all new. Please take a look at our guide to large local insects below to learn more.
Our neighbors are needlessly afraid at a time when we do not need more stress.
Local officials are being overwhelmed with calls and emails from frightened citizens at a time when access and resources are under strain. We need these folks free to do their real jobs.

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