OLYMPIA — As summer gets into full swing and people spend more time outside, state and federal officials and local beekeepers hope the public will keep their eyes open and report any sightings of Asian giant hornet.

“When it comes to preventing and stopping a new invasive species, we all have a role to play and this is a great example,” said Justin Bush, executive coordinator of the Washington Invasive Species Council. “The first detection of Asian giant hornet in the entire United States was made by an aware member of the public. Every other detection since has been made by everyday citizens. Being aware of new plants and animals or changes in your community and then letting the experts know if something seems like a problem can save thousands, if not millions of dollars, in damages.”

This bee-killer already has been spotted in two different cities in Washington this year even though Asian giant hornets aren’t expected out in larger numbers until July or August. That is when worker hornets become active and the queens stop leaving the nests.

The hornets tend to be most active in the summer and fall when workers search for food away from their nests. Officials ask the public to report sightings as quickly as possible and give details of what they saw and where. Photographs are strongly encouraged if they can be taken safely. If the hornet is dead, please save it for testing. Reports may be made using the Washington Department of Agriculture’s (WSDA) Hornet Watch Report Form, the WA Invasives reporting app or on the Washington Invasive Species Council’s Web site.

When Asian giant hornet reports are confirmed by WSDA additional traps likely will be placed in the area to help determine the exact location of an Asian giant hornet nest. WSDA will eradicate nests when they are found.

For more information, visit the WSDA Web page dedicated to Asian giant hornet, as well as the Washington Invasive Species Council’s Web site where resources, Webinars and fact sheets on all types of invasive species are available. Join a network of citizen scientists trapping Asian giant hornet by visiting the WSDA trapping Web page.

Source: Washington State Department of Agriculture