The northern giant hornet (Vespa mandarinia), often called the “murder hornet,” has been declared eradicated from Washington and the United States, according to USDA APHIS and the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA). The declaration followed three years without confirmed detections after four nests were found and removed in 2020 and 2021. A yellow-legged hornet reported in Washington in 2026 is a different species, not evidence that the northern giant hornet has returned.
Here is what is known about the U.S. detections, the eradication effort, and what to do if you suspect an invasive hornet in Washington. Agency status can change, so check current USDA APHIS and WSDA guidance before acting.
Key facts about the northern giant hornet in the U.S.
- USDA APHIS and WSDA describe the northern giant hornet as eradicated from Washington and the United States.
- The first verified U.S. sightings were near Blaine, Washington, in December 2019. All four located U.S. nests were in Whatcom County and were removed in 2020–2021.
- WSDA recorded no detections from 2022 through 2024. That surveillance record supported its end-of-2024 eradication declaration and the subsequent federal and state announcement.
- The northern giant hornet attacks honey bee hives, but the cited agencies do not identify a current consumer treatment or product recommendation.
- WSDA reported a yellow-legged hornet at the Port of Vancouver in April 2026. It is a separate species.
Are murder hornets still in the U.S.?
Current USDA APHIS and WSDA information says the northern giant hornet has been eradicated from the United States. The declaration is based on the removal of four nests in Whatcom County in 2020–2021 and no detections from 2022 through 2024. This is an agency status declaration, not a guarantee that the species could never be reintroduced.
WSDA declared the hornet eradicated from Washington at the end of 2024. USDA APHIS and WSDA subsequently announced eradication from Washington and the U.S. Their assessment rests on years of surveillance after the known nests were removed.
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U.S. northern giant hornet timeline
| Date | What happened |
|---|---|
| August 2019 | APHIS says northern giant hornets were reported in the Vancouver Island area of Canada. |
| December 2019 | WSDA verified two reports near Blaine, Washington—the first verified U.S. sightings. |
| 2020–2021 | WSDA located and eradicated four nests in Whatcom County. |
| 2022–2024 | WSDA recorded no detections. At the end of 2024, it declared the hornet eradicated from Washington; USDA and WSDA later announced eradication from Washington and the U.S. |
| April 2026 | WSDA reported a yellow-legged hornet photographed at the Port of Vancouver and said it was conducting trapping and outreach. This was a separate species. |
Northern giant hornet vs. yellow-legged hornet
The two species should not be confused. The northern giant hornet is the species declared eradicated in the U.S.; the yellow-legged hornet is a separate invasive species reported by WSDA in Washington in April 2026. The reviewed agency sources do not provide enough detail for a reliable side-by-side visual identification guide, so use WSDA identification and reporting material rather than relying on an improvised comparison.
| Species | U.S. status in the cited updates | Evidence and agency response |
|---|---|---|
| Northern giant hornet (Vespa mandarinia) | Declared eradicated from Washington and the United States. | Four nests were removed in Whatcom County in 2020–2021; WSDA recorded no detections from 2022 through 2024. |
| Yellow-legged hornet | A separate species reported at Washington’s Port of Vancouver in April 2026. | WSDA said it was conducting trapping and outreach. This report does not establish a return of the northern giant hornet. |
Why did officials work to eradicate it?
The northern giant hornet is native to Asia and can threaten honey bee hives. USDA APHIS describes it as the world’s largest hornet, measuring up to two inches, and says it generally does not attack people unless threatened. Do not approach, capture, or handle a suspected hornet.
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WSDA notes that USDA estimates insect pollination adds more than $34 billion in annual economic value to U.S. agricultural crops. This is a broad estimate of pollination’s value, not a figure for damage caused by northern giant hornets.
How did the eradication effort work?
The Washington effort combined public reports, surveillance, nest location, and removal. USDA Agricultural Research Service researchers provided WSDA with experimental attractive lures and traps to monitor for and locate northern giant hornets. These were tools used in an agency eradication effort; the cited source does not validate retail traps for consumers or recommend them as a current control measure.
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The evidence supporting the eradication declaration is the removal of the four located nests and the subsequent period without detections. It does not mean future reintroduction is impossible, so new suspected sightings should be reported through the appropriate agency guidance.
What should I do if I see a giant hornet in Washington?
Do not approach or handle a suspected hornet. WSDA’s reporting guidance covers suspected invasive hornets in Washington and prefers online or email reports, which it says usually allow a quicker response. Follow WSDA’s current instructions for submitting a report.
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- 【Goatskin Gloves】A pair of full-length sleeves beekeeping gloves attached to bee suit can provide additional cover for your arm. The gloves are made of soft goatskin and pliable fabric, allowing you to handle various tools and beehives very flexibly. You can enjoy beekeeping freely
- 【Ventilated & Comfortable】While ensuring your safety, comfort of beekeeping suit are considered. Ventilated material and about 2lbs weight make the beekeeper suit comfortable to wear and the soft fabric is flexible enough while maintaining thickness of beekeeper suit
- 【Detachable Veil & Elastic Bands】The detachable fencing veil of beekeeper suit has the most suitable mesh opening, the spacious interior and wide views on the front and sides. The high elastic bands on the wrist, waists and glove cuff can form a tight fit to ensure no bee can get in
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- Keep your distance. Do not capture, touch, or disturb the insect or a suspected nest.
- Take a photo only if you can do so safely. Do not move closer to get a better image.
- Report the sighting to WSDA. Use its current online or email reporting channel for Washington sightings.
- If you cannot provide a photo, describe what you observed. WSDA asks for the insect’s size, head and body colors, and behavior.
These instructions are Washington-specific. If you are elsewhere, contact the relevant state agriculture department or other official authority for local reporting directions.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.FAQ
Has the northern giant hornet returned to Washington?
The reviewed USDA APHIS and WSDA sources continue to describe the northern giant hornet as eradicated. WSDA’s April 2026 report concerned a yellow-legged hornet, a different species.
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- PREMIUM A+ GOATSKIN GLOVES INCLUDED：This professional beekeeper suit comes complete with a pair of thick, genuine A+ goatskin gloves — core bee keeping supplies that offer superior sting protection while preserving excellent dexterity. The gloves are designed with elastic cuffs that seal tightly against the suit sleeves, leaving no gaps for bees to enter. Perfect for both delicate hive work and heavy-duty beekeeping tasks.
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- VERSATILE FOR BEGINNERS & PROFESSIONALS：This all-in-one beekeeping kit is an essential tool for both hobbyists and professional apiarists. Versatile enough for all beekeeping activities, it also serves as a realistic Halloween bee costume for adults. Ideal for backyard beekeeping, commercial apiaries, wasp nest removal, and costume parties, it covers all your daily bee keeping supplies needs.
- PACKAGE CONTENTS & CUSTOMER SUPPORT： Each order includes 1 complete ANDES beekeeping suit with attached veil, plus 1 pair of A+ goatskin gloves. We stand behind our products with reliable after-sales support — if you encounter any issues, contact us and we will assist you promptly. 20% of all ANDES profits go to non-profit organizations supporting local beekeeping and bee conservation efforts.
Where were the U.S. northern giant hornet nests found?
All four located U.S. nests were in Whatcom County, Washington. WSDA says they were removed in 2020 and 2021.
Should I buy a trap for northern giant hornets?
The cited sources describe experimental lures and traps supplied to WSDA for agency surveillance and eradication work. They do not establish that retail traps are effective for consumers or recommend a purchase.
Can I approach a suspected hornet or nest to identify it?
No. Do not approach, capture, or handle a suspected hornet or disturb a nest. Report the sighting from a safe distance using the appropriate agency guidance.
The bottom line
The northern giant hornet has been declared eradicated from the United States after four nests were removed in Washington and no detections were recorded from 2022 through 2024. A yellow-legged hornet reported in Washington in April 2026 is a different species. If you suspect an invasive hornet in Washington, keep your distance and report it to WSDA.
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