OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — The state Department of Agriculture plans to quarantine all hornet species in order to combat the spread of Asian giant hornets.
The department’s plan would outlaw the sale, distribution or knowing movement of any hornets in Washington State.
The rule would also allow WSDA to declare an “infested site” for 20 meters around a nest, even on private property.
This would give officials the legal authority to control access to the site, and eradicate it.
So far the invasive species has only been found in Whatcom County, including a large nest entomologists destroyed near Blaine last fall.
The proposed rule is open for public comment, and a virtual meeting is scheduled for May 11.
As scheduled, it could take effect by summer 2021.