Conversations have erupted around "murder hornets," large invasive wasps which have been discovered along the pacific northwest.

John Gavloski, Entomologist with Manitoba Agriculture, says he's not sure where the term "murder hornet" came from, but believes the nickname is sensationalizing the insect, as their actual name is the Asian giant hornet, a type of wasp. Although the wasps are no more aggressive than native bees or wasps, Gavloski says the recommendations in China are if you receive more than ten stings, a person should visit the hospital. However, the wasps pose a much more significant risk to honeybees, and can destroy entire hives. 

"If a person was to get a sting, it's not going to be threatening, unless you're allergic. They would not purposely attack a human unless they had a reason, or their nest was being disturbed. Our Western honeybee, the one people keep here to produce honey and pollinate crops, would be pretty defenceless against them."

Species of bees in Asia have ways of protecting their hives against the attacks of the wasp, but Gavloski says our bees haven't developed such defences because they haven't lived around these wasps. It would be a serious threat if the wasps would ever take off in Canada, but Gavloski believes the risk isn't imminent or high at this point.

There were two separate introductions, says Gavloski; one a hive on Vancouver Island back in September, where entomologists destroyed the nest and insects. The more recent sighting was Washington State, where some dead insects were found, and they are unsure if a hive was established. The best guess is the introductions were caused by the insects stowing away on cargo ships. 

Gavloski says now is a great time to talk about invasive species, because they can have a real impact on our ecosystems. He says it's essential to be vigilant when transporting food, wood, or other items even between provinces.

"Insects, plants, mammals, or other aquatic animals when they get introduced they take off, because they don't have their proper checks in place. They start outcompeting local species, which changes the whole habitat, and they can become agricultural or urban pests as well."

If invasive species get in, it can be a real challenge to remove them, says Gavloski, but the public can do their part. With species like the emerald ash borer, not transporting firewood can make a huge difference in limiting their spread. Animals and plants can travel by moving soil, and boats need to be soaked and drained before moving to another body of water. "Don't move things around if you possibly can."

As for the hornets,  If a person believes they have seen one, he says they should send a sample or a photo to him or another entomologist so they can check it out.

He cautions we do have some large insects that look wasp-like that could easily be confused. The horntail is an excellent example of a large animal that can't sting people, but can easily be mistaken for a giant wasp or hornet.