Three Asian giant hornets have been discovered on Vancouver Island for the first time, sparking concerns for local honeybees. (File Photo)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

FIRST TIME EVER

Asian giant hornets found in Nanaimo for first time ever

Sep 11, 2019 | 6:37 AM

NANAIMO — An aggressive and excessively large species of hornet has been discovered in Nanaimo for the first time.

Three Asian giant hornets were found in Nanaimo last month, following confirmation from Canadian and International experts, sparking concerns for local beekeepers.

The hornets were discovered by two separate individuals, a few hundred metres apart in the Robins Park area of south Nanaimo.

Asian Giant Hornets are large in size, and have noticeably large orange heads and black eyes. Worker hornets are approximately 3.5 cm in length and queens can be up to 4-5 cm in length with a wingspan of 4-7cm.

All three hornets were worker insects, leading to the possibility of a nearby nest according to Ministry of Agriculture entomologist Tracy Hueppelsheuser.

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“If we can try and pinpoint an area where they are, there’s a possibility that we can try and control them. They do not have regular hornets nests that would hang from a branch or the eaves of your house, it’s a ground nest which is trickier to find.”

Hueppelsheuser added despite the size, the public shouldn’t panic.

“People shouldn’t fearful that the wasp is going to chase after them, they’re not looking for people or animals to attack. They’re predators, but they only go after other insects. They’re like the wolves of the insect world.”

The Asian giant hornet, compared to the size of a human thumb and a Canadian quarter. (Ministry of Agriculture)

Confirmation of Asian giant hornets comes with health concerns related to the sting.

Medical Health Officer Dr. Paul Hasselback told NanaimoNewsNOW the insect is noticeably different than bees, wasps or other types of hornets.

“It can be fairly aggressive and give multiple stings. Because of this and the type of stings that do occur, there’s a toxin that is associated with them and there are medical problems that can occur.

Issues include inflammation of the sting area and possible allergic reaction. Stings often contain larger than normal amounts of venom which can be very painful and cause redness, swelling and itching.

Officials advise if you are stung, treat the area with a cold compress and avoid rubbing the site, as it will cause the venom to spread to surrounding tissue.

The invasive bees only feed on other insects and don’t target people or animals, but can respond aggressively if they’re bothered, according to Hasselback.

“We hear from our eastern Asian colleagues that problems have occurred where nests have been disturbed, and these hornets do try and defend their nest with multiple stings,” said Hasselback. “It’s the multiple stings that’s lead to medical concerns in other locations.”

It’s currently not known how the insects came to be on Vancouver Island, however officials are encouraging the public to exercise caution. Prior to this identification, there had been no confirmed reports of the insects in British Columbia.

“We’re asking that people try and snap a picture of an insect that they see which might be a suspect hornet, and submit it to Agriservice BC,” Hueppelsheuser said. “Then we can have a look and see if it’s a native species or if it’s this new hornet.”

The presence of the three Asian giant hornets was made in mid-August and confirmed by Canadian and International experts, according to the Ministry of Agriculture.

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