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First Murder Hornet Nest Found In The US

First Murder Hornet Nest Found In The US

Scientists tracked down the insects

Amelia Ward

Amelia Ward

Scientists have managed to find the first 'murder hornet' nest in the US, after radio trackers were attached to the deadly bugs.

The nest has been found in Washington State on a private property near the US-Canada border.

The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) said the insects had set up camp inside a tree on land that had been cleared to build houses on.

It's the first time an Asian giant hornets' nest has been found on US soil.

Experts had captured and attached radios tracking device to some of the hornets and waited for them to lead them to the nest.

PA

Late on Thursday afternoon (22 October), one of them was traced to the nest and they then found dozens more entering the tree.

In a statement, WSDA said: "While Asian giant hornets normally nest in the ground, they are occasionally found nesting in dead trees.

"Dozens of the hornets were seen entering and exiting the tree while the WSDA team was present."

Scientists in the USA finally managed to capture one of the infamous 'murder hornets' back in August and they were keen to find the colony before they started breeding.

PA

The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) stated that more than 1,300 traps were put out in an attempt to snag the fearsome insect after it invaded the USA last year.

Well, you can't just have animals called 'murder hornets' cutting about the place, can you?

The two inch Asian giant hornets actually get their nickname for something even more horrific than you might think.

You see, when these cuddly critters get hold of honey bees, they are capable of ripping their heads clean off in large numbers.

Anyway, it's a serious issue - not least because they're an invasive species that's tearing the heads off bees.

PA

Nobody is completely sure exactly how they managed to get into Washington State from Asia in the first instance.

It could be through container ships, or packages shipped across to the USA from Asia, or travellers coming back to the US from overseas.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: US News, Animals