Asian hornets, which are native to Eurasia and northern Africa, were recently detected for the first time in North America when several species were identified in British Columbia during 2019. These invasive wasps pose a significant threat to managed European honey bees by hunting foragers, weakening colonies, and occasionally destroying entire hives. While giant varieties can deliver a dangerous sting to humans and livestock, smaller species can induce foraging paralysis and reduce honey production. Because these hornets often arrive accidentally through cargo and hibernating queens, monitoring and vigilance are crucial to prevent them from establishing populations in regions like Ontario. #honeybees #valleybeekeeping
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