Turning the Table on Asian Giant Hornets

The Whatcom Museum is joining in on Climate Action Week with a discussion-based virtual program about Asian Giant Hornets led by Cassie Cichorz, Asian Giant Hornet Outreach and Education Specialist from the Washington State Department of Agriculture. During the program, you’ll learn how Asian Giant Hornets pose a threat to our local biome, what to do if you come across one, and how you can help.

Asian giant hornet (Vespa mandarinia) is the world’s largest species of hornet. In December 2019, WSDA received and verified two reports of Asian giant hornet near Blaine. These are the first-ever sighting in the United States. Canada had also discovered Asian giant hornet in two locations in British Columbia in the fall of 2019. In 2020, both Washington and Canada have had new confirmed sightings of Asian giant hornet.

Asian giant hornet attacks and destroys honeybee hives. A few hornets can destroy a hive in a matter of hours. If it becomes established, this hornet will have negative impacts on the environment, economy, and public health of Washington State. To learn more about these pests, visit agr.wa.gov/departments/insects-pests-and-weeds/insects/hornets.

About the speaker: Cassie Cichorz works for the Washington State Department of Agriculture as the Asian giant hornet Outreach and Education Specialist. Her response delivers project information, implements outreach activities, and builds a positive public momentum.

Registration to this program is free but required. Participants will receive an email confirmation with the Zoom registration info once they sign up.