FAQ

Can a single Asian Giant Hornet kill a person?
If a person is allergic, anaphylactic could kill a person. However, most likely one single Asian Giant Hornet attack would not kill a person. The venom of the Asian Giant Hornet is known to contain chemicals that also destroy flesh, which causes wounds that look like bullet holes. Toxins can put stress on the kidneys in the event of multiple stings.


Do any hornets fly at night?
Yes. There are several people that have reported seeing European Hornets flying at night. They apparently go after moths and other insects that are flying near porch lights.

The National Bee Unit (United Kingdom) reports that Asian Hornets do not fly at night.


Should I report a sighting?
Yes, you can report the sighting to a University Agricultural Extension office in the United States. Try a Google search of the State and "agricultural extension".  For example, "Ohio agricultural extension"... In the United Kingdom you may contact the National Bee Unit. Asian Hornets are known to have invaded France and Spain, and bee experts are highly concerned about controlling the invasive species because they are known to attack beehives and destroy bees.

It is helpful if you can get a photo image or a dead specimen, but be very careful to avoid getting stung while near any wasps or hornets.

Are there Asian Giant Hornets in the United States?
There are no confirmed sightings of Asian Giant Hornets by experts. One was reported in Arlington Heights, Illinois (Summer 2012) with a large orange plastic-like toy appearance for its head, and described as looking like a flying bathtub toy with a menacing hum from its wings.

It would be easy for a person with an untrained eye to mistake the Asian Giant Hornet with other large wasps or hornets -- namely the Eastern Cicada Killer, the Western Cicada Killer, or the European Hornet.