For those who have been watching the news this year, the Asian Invasive Hornet Species known colloquiallyas the “Murder Hornet” cropped up early in the year then quickly fell off the global radar. These hornets are still an issue in British Columbia and their existence highlights a bigger problem in Canada, invasive species.
With the latest sighting of Asian Hornets in British Columbia it is important to review Canada’s invasive species and how to stay safe from Asian Hornets.
Invasive species have been a growing issue in Canada since its inception. Zebra mussels, murder hornets, dog weed, and Emerald Ashe Borer are all examples of species threatening our landscapes and farms. Invasive species can survive in the Canadian climate and have no natural predators allowing them to grow and infest the land unless humans remove them.
For small apiarists across Canada Asian Hornets are a major threat, Asian Hornets are known to destroy beehives and due to their size honeybees are unable to stop them.
Human safety is also important. If an Asian Hornet is approaching, like other hornets, distance and distractions are important for not getting stung, get away from their nest and don’t move to wide open areas.
Once safe report the invasive species sighting to the provincial invasive species hotline. Although protecting hives is important, remaining safe and alerting the provincial authorities will help remove the hornets more permanently.