The world’s largest hornet has been declared eradicated in the U.S. The invasive northern giant hornet is also known as the “murder hornet” for its dangerous sting and its ability to slaughter a honey bee hive in a matter of hours.

After five years of intense efforts, the US has officially eradicated the notorious "murder hornet," also known as the northern giant hornet. First detected in Washington state in 2019, these invasive insects posed a major threat to honey bee populations and local ecosystems with their lethal stings and ability to destroy hives in a matter of hours.

The northern giant hornet, which used to be referred to as the Asian giant hornet or murder hornet, has now been declared eradicated in Washington state and the United States. Washington is the only state in the US where the hornet was reported. It was first detected in Canada in August 2019.

Agriculture and wildlife officials have announced that they have eradicated the infamous "murder hornet" from the US, five years after the headline-generating insects were first spotted in Washington state.

Giant hornets, dubbed "murder hornets," have been eradicated in the U.S., five years after the invasive species was first detected in Washington state.