How did the Asian giant hornets come to Nanaimo?

The Ministry of Agriculture says it will preserve the bodies invasive hornets found in a nest in Nanaimo, to try and determine where they came from.

The underground nest of invasive Asian giant hornets was discovered and destroyed Wednesday night after the first three insects were found in the area last month.

The giant hornets can be up to five centimetres long with a wingspan of seven centimetres and while stings are rare, the government statement says if a person is stung multiple times there is a risk of toxic or allergic reaction.

The hornets, which are common in parts of China, Korea and Japan, feed on insects and are capable of destroying a honeybee hive in a short period of time. 

Guest: Gail Wallin

Executive Director, Invasive Species Council of BC

The Ministry of Agriculture says it will preserve the bodies invasive hornets found in a nest in Nanaimo, to try and determine where they came from.

The underground nest of invasive Asian giant hornets was discovered and destroyed Wednesday night after the first three insects were found in the area last month.

The giant hornets can be up to five centimetres long with a wingspan of seven centimetres and while stings are rare, the government statement says if a person is stung multiple times there is a risk of toxic or allergic reaction.

The hornets, which are common in parts of China, Korea and Japan, feed on insects and are capable of destroying a honeybee hive in a short period of time. 

Guest: Gail Wallin

Executive Director, Invasive Species Council of BC