‘Murder Hornets’ are Now in North America; 2020 Just Won’t Let Up

My theory: I went to bed on New Year's Eve and woke up in a sci-fi movie about the world ending.

A new insect from Asia that measures 2-inches long and kills entire bee colonies has been spotted in the Pacific North West. The New York Times reported:

Asian giant hornets can use mandibles shaped like spiked shark fins to wipe out a honeybee hive in a matter of hours, decapitating the bees and flying away with the thoraxes to feed their young. For larger targets, the hornet’s potent venom and stinger — long enough to puncture a beekeeping suit — make for an excruciating combination that victims have likened to hot metal driving into their skin.

Just great. Bees are already in danger and now they have to worry about being decapitated and fed to the young of another species. 2020 just does not want to see us win.

The good news from this: scientists are on the case. The first sightings of these hornets were last fall in Washington, and since then there has been a full-blown hunt for them to make sure they are eradicated before they cause more problems. Beekeepers in Washington have set up traps in hopes to catch this invasive species.

I have my fingers crossed the scientists can stop this creature in its tracks. 2020 has been way too insane already and we are only five months in. We can't lose the bees too.

If you are interested in helping out the bee population in Minnesota, there is actually an association for hobby beekeepers in our state. Check out their website for some great resources on keeping our population stable.

Check out the full New York Times story here.