SEATTLE — The world’s largest hornet, an invasive breed dubbed the “murder hornet” for its dangerous sting and ability to slaughter a honey bee hive in a matter of hours, has been declared eradicated in the U.S., five years after being spotted for the first time in Washington state near the Canadian border.

The Washington and U.S. Departments of Agriculture announced the eradication Wednesday, saying there had been no detections of the northern giant hornet in Washington since 2021.

No confirmed reports in B.C. since 2021, and Canada's Invasive Species Centre said the hornet is also considered eradicated there.{ai:summary}<p>The invasive "murder hornet," known for its lethal sting and threat to honey bee populations, has been declared eradicated in the U.S. This announcement comes five years after its initial sighting in Washington state. No detections have occurred since 2021. </p><p>#science</p>

'Murder hornets’ have been wiped out in U.S., officials say

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