BOISE, Idaho — The Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) has received no confirmed reports of Asian giant hornets, or the murder hornet, in Idaho. As of now, only two hornets have been collected in the United States, both in northwest Washington.
ISDA says some species native to Idaho have a similar size and color pattern to the Asian giant hornet. The Western Cicada Killer is reported multiple times to ISDA every summer.
There are routine surveys for many invasive pests around the state annually and ISDA evaluates potential sightings by the public on other species of local and national concern. ISDA says they are monitoring the situation with Asian giant hornets closely.
ISDA works with property owners and communities on control measures when non-native species are found. They are also working on a fact sheet with more information on Asian giant hornets, including distribution and identifying characteristics.
It is advised to use extreme caution near the hornet. If you are allergic to bee or wasp stings, do not go near the Asian giant hornet.
If you believe you have found an Asian giant hornet, please email info@isda.idaho.gov with information and photographs (if you can do so safely). You may be contacted by ISDA to discuss confirmation by scientific experts.
