STORY AT-A-GLANCE
- As the insect population is declining, Asian Giant Hornets, dubbed murder hornets, have made an appearance in Washington state and are a significant threat to honeybees
- The hornets measure 2 inches in length, have teeth-like pincers and can sting multiple times, delivering seven times more venom than a honeybee
- They don’t normally attack humans, but cause up to 50 deaths each year in Japan; scientists in the U.S. began preparations during last winter to eradicate them
- Experts warn you should not try to capture or kill the hornets, but get away and report the sighting to your state department of agriculture