OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Washington State Department of Agriculture is gearing up for another season of trapping and containing invasive insects.
They are setting thousands of traps for over 130 invasive species that threaten the state’s agriculture industries and environment.
The Asian giant hornet has the highest profile in our region and they’ll set traps for them in Whatcom County in July when workers become active.
But department spokesperson Karla Salp says queens may already be buzzing around our area.
“Tree sap is one of the things they like to eat according to research,” said Salp. “So, if you’re out and about on a hike, you might see one. Just snap a photo and report it online just like we’ve been doing for the past couple of years.”
She says citizen reports have accounted for half of the confirmed sightings of so-called murder hornets in our region.
Other species that the department is on the lookout for include the Spongy Moth, formerly known at the Gypsy Moth, the Japanese Beetle and Apple Maggot.
To listen to the full interview with Karla Salp, visit our Podcast page.