Washington hornet spotting is ‘major threat to our natural ecosystem’ claims expert

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Beware of a large bee or wasp looking creature anywhere in the Lower Mainland and or just south of the border.

This warning comes from the Invasive Species Council of BC after the Washington State Department of Agriculture found an Asian giant hornet across the border in Blaine, Washington, earlier this month.

A nest of the insects was also discovered in Nanaimo this September.

Gail Wallin, the Executive Director of Invasive Species Council of BC, says whenever invasive species pop up, they have to be found as quickly as possible before they become established.

“They normally would not have expected a hornet out feeding it this time, so this is a late in the season find. But what it means now is both Washington and B.C. are working together to share information to approach it.”

Wallin adds the Asian giant hornet is an apex predator, which means it is top of the food chain, and it preys on honey bee colonies.

“It’s a major threat to our natural ecosystem, which is whenever you introduce an invasive species into a natural ecosystem, it will disrupt the natural patterns that are there,” she says. “Becuase it is an apex predator, nothing actually preys on it, so it is very difficult to eradicate through a natural ecosystem.”

The wasp is about 1.5 inches long, has a large yellow head and is known for its powerful sting.

It’s not aggressive if left unprovoked, but will attack humans or animals that approach its nests.

The health department warns if you think you’ve seen an Asian giant hornet, don’t try to swat it.

Instead, contact the Invasive Species Council of BC at 250-305-1003 or 1-888-933-3722 and, if possible, snap a photo and send it to them at info@bcinvasives.ca.