Dear WSPMA Members,
We wanted to provide you with an urgent update regarding a potential sighting of a Northern Giant Hornet (NGH) in Kitsap County, specifically in the Port Orchard area near the Pierce County line.
While the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) has not yet received the specimen for confirmation, they are actively working to obtain it. To prevent the spread of this invasive species, WSDA has deployed traps in the area.
If your technicians are working in the Port Orchard area, please instruct them to be vigilant for any potential NGH sightings. If they encounter a bee or wasp that appears to be unusually large or aggressive, especially if it is hanging around wasp nests, please do not treat it. Instead, contact WSDA immediately to report the sighting.
It's crucial that we allow WSDA to tag and track the NGH to locate and eliminate its nest. Treating the individual insect could disrupt the tracking process and hinder our efforts to contain the spread.
As this news has garnered significant local and national media attention, we wanted to ensure you were informed. Please share this information with your team members to help us collectively address this potential threat.
Thank you for your continued support and cooperation.
Media Reports:
https://mynorthwest.com/
WSDA Northern Giant Hornet information and File a Report Page: