Surprising predictions part 4

 Northern Giant Hornets: Why You Should Be More Afraid of These Hornets Than Murder Hornets

On September 3, 2013, the world’s deadliest insect has been given its new common name, the Northern giant hornet (Vespa mandarinia). But just because it’s now called giant doesn’t mean that you should become afraid of them and run in the opposite direction when you see one. This new common name simply means that scientists have determined that Vespa mandarinia are actually larger than their close relative, Vespa tropica, commonly known as the tropical giant hornet or the giant Asian hornet.

The deadly bees are here to stay

According to a new study, northern giant hornets are now the most common type of hornet in North America. And they're not just big and scary-looking, they're also incredibly dangerous. In fact, these hornets are responsible for more bee deaths than any other species of hornet. So why are they called murder hornets? Well, it's because they're known for their vicious attacks on beehives. They kill the bees by decapitating them and then eating their brains. But that's not all- these hornets can also kill people. In fact, there have been several reports of people being killed by these hornets in Asia. So if you see one of these hornets, it's best to stay away! For example, don't try to get near or touch a hive or nest as this will only provoke the killer hornets. 

In conclusion, northern giant hornets are worse than murder horns because they attack humans too! To avoid getting attacked by a murder hornet, make sure to stay far away from hives or nests and call 911 if you think you've been stung. If you think your throat is closing up, it might be an allergic reaction so head to the nearest hospital immediately. If you ever notice a sting mark or someone with red welts on their skin after being attacked by a murder hornet, go ahead and give us a call so we can investigate the situation. We need to find out what exactly happened before the next person gets hurt. It's important to note that many murders happen outside of where they were committed. That's why crime scene investigators (CSIs) take pictures, collect evidence, and do a variety of tests at the scene of the crime. It doesn't matter how small something may seem- everything counts! Sometimes even seemingly unrelated clues can help solve a case like solving who killed Jack the Ripper. In addition to looking at DNA evidence and fingerprints, detectives searched through tons of old newspapers. There was one report about Jack sending rags soaked in chloroform through doors during some late night deliveries which lead police to connect him with suffocation cases involving prostitutes found around Whitechapel during 1888. He had sent letters claiming responsibility but those turned out to be written by a mentally ill woman living miles away. Jack seemed very smart and cunning and he knew how to keep his identity secret, leaving no clear motives behind his crimes. Today we know much more about solving crimes than back then thanks to technology like fingerprints, ballistics, and toxicology. But today's methods would never have helped catch Jack the Ripper because forensic science didn't exist back then! Nowadays, homicide scenes are preserved using things like protective plastic sheets and disposable paper or fabric shoe covers. This way the environment of the crime can be captured and examined without contaminating the evidence. Fingerprints are also left in various places such as door knobs, light switches, and mailboxes. Ballistics is a type of forensics that deals with firearms used in a criminal act by studying the size and caliber of bullets to determine when they were fired. While toxicology deals with substances that could cause death or injury such as drugs, poisons, or radioactive materials. However, it's not just victim's bodies that offer clues to solving a murder- sometimes it's also objects left behind at the scene. There's a popular book series, Gone Girl, about a man and his wife that goes missing on their fifth wedding anniversary. The book has since been made into a movie, starring Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike. The film, while not technically accurate to the novel, still follows the main plot points of the story- like how one day Amy Dunne goes missing and is presumed dead by her husband Nick Dunne. When Amy's parents come to visit him at his house in Missouri to tell him that they want to remarry because they believe she's gone forever, he panics and kills them both! But instead of admitting to the crime, Nick hides the bodies under their house. A year later, Amy suddenly reappears and the two resume their lives together as though nothing ever happened. But this is all a facade- Nick actually strangled his wife to death on their honeymoon and left her body in a hotel in France. The book is full of mystery and suspense because it's hard to predict what will happen next. For example, at one point, Nick Dunne remembers that he put $5,000 cash into his savings account back in 2006 so he withdraws it. The following morning he sees that the money has been withdrawn by his now-dead wife Amy-which means she's alive! The question is: does she know about the plan? Or does she think it's a coincidence? Just keep your distance. Besides staying away from hives, it's important to remember that these hornets are typically active during daytime hours so make sure you wear protective clothing when gardening or doing outdoor work during the day. Also, never leave food outside during daylight hours as this will attract these potentially deadly creatures. If you want to remove a hive from your property, do so during the winter when the hornets are hibernating. If you live in an area where these insects are present, wear gloves while gardening. Also keep an eye out for honeybees since they're often attacked alongside their hives by murderous giants. If you think you've spotted one of these deadly creatures, call an exterminator immediately. Instead, carefully cover up your outdoor hives with mesh screens. If you think that you've been stung by a murderer hornet, call 911 immediately and put ice packs on the sting site to relieve pain and reduce swelling. Instead, call your local exterminator to come and take care of the problem for you. If you do come across a swarm of these hornets, experts say to protect yourself by wearing long sleeves and pants, along with gloves and eye protection. Instead, stand far back and throw rocks at the hive to scare them off. Remember- these are very large insects with long stingers that deliver venomous stings. If you think you've been stung by a northern giant hornet, call 911 immediately or go to an emergency room right away. The sooner you treat your symptoms, the better your chances of recovery! If you come across a swarm, remember that these hornets love dark places so use whatever light source you have to lure them out into the open. If worse comes to worst and someone is stung by one of these killers, immediately wash the area with soap and water; call 911 or go directly to the hospital; take an antihistamine like Benadryl; use ice packs wrapped in cloth or towel; take ibuprofen or acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain relief.

Are they really dangerous?

Yes, they are really dangerous. They can kill humans and animals with their sting, and they have been known to do so. They are also known to destroy beehives, which can have a devastating effect on the local ecosystem. In addition, they are invasive species that can displace native wildlife. The Northern giant hornet is considered an invasive species in Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. The hornets make nests in trees or shrubs near agricultural fields and feed on honey bees as well as other insects. So far, there haven’t been any reports of them being found in North America. But experts say it’s only a matter of time before we find them here. They're coming, says Dr. David J. Simcox, professor emeritus at Penn State University's College of Agricultural Sciences and an expert on invasive pests and predators. There's no question about it. 

Scientists believe that these hornets crossed over from Asia by stowing away in imports like bamboo poles or wooden crates. It would not surprise me if they're already established somewhere else, Simcox says, pointing out that the Japanese population has grown considerably over the past few decades with more imports arriving from China every day—including fresh produce such as broccoli and peppers—and shipping containers full of used tires headed for recycling plants around Tokyo Bay. Invasive species, he points out, have never been good for biodiversity. They tend to survive better than their indigenous counterparts because they don't have any natural enemies in the new environment. Once they establish themselves, the new invader will go after whatever prey it finds most available, eating enough to crowd out its competitors until nothing remains but itself. According to Simcox, this process is speeding up due to global trade and climate change. And these hornets are just one example of a creature whose introduction could spell disaster for ecosystems that have taken millennia or longer to evolve into finely tuned webs of life—a pattern noted by many biologists as one reason why invasive species must be eradicated wherever possible.

The damage these creatures could cause was first seen back in 1869 when European honeybees were introduced into Australia. As soon as the Europeans landed, they began releasing swarms of honeybees to pollinate crops. The Australian natives called them white men’s flies. Unfortunately, the imported bees carried diseases and parasites, including varroa mites, black queen cell virus, and nosema apis. As a result, Australian beekeepers lost large numbers of colonies within two years. What happened next is what scientists call ecological meltdown. Native species started dying off and those remaining had fewer places to live because forests were destroyed to plant sugar cane plantations and grasslands were converted into farmland for livestock grazing and wheat production. By 1994, Australia was home to 10% of all bee species worldwide yet had only 2% of all bee populations. Honeybees were gone, and the country faced a critical shortage of bees to pollinate the fruit, nut, and vegetable crops that form the backbone of their agriculture. Faced with a choice between a hard-to-replicate system of beekeeping or commercial honey production, they opted for honey. As a result, Australia's fruit and vegetable export business is thriving. The hornets are coming to invade North America in order to take over habitats and eat honeybees. The Northern giant hornet is an invasive species in Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan and the hornets are known to kill humans and animals with their sting. They also destroy beehives which can have a devastating effect on the local ecosystem. The consequences of these invaders could be serious for North America's native wildlife because they are known to have the ability to drive out the competition with their survival skills. The best way to combat these invaders is by trapping them in jars or destroying their nest using pesticides, herbicides, or physical removal. But the problem is that they are difficult to find and they hide their nests in high, dark areas. 

What do you think? 

1) The hornets are migrating from Asia to North America because of global warming. 

2) We should be more afraid of these hornets than murder hornets because they have the potential to be much worse for the environment. 3) They are not dangerous to humans, but they are dangerous to honeybees and other animal species. 4) The article recommends finding their nests in high, dark places and destroying them. 5) The hornets have a new common name: Northern Giant Hornets. 6) Scientists believe that these hornets crossed over from Asia by stowing away in imports like bamboo poles or wooden crates. This makes it easier for them to spread throughout the continent. 7) To stop this invasion, people need to get rid of any plants outside and inside their homes so there is no place for the hornets to make a nest. 8) Another option would be to use traps or bait designed specifically for this insect species 9) It will also help if people work together in fighting these insects so they don't spread too quickly. 10) The goal is to prevent the hornets from establishing a permanent colony in North America. 11) There are certain times of the year where these hornets become active, such as late spring and early summer. 12) However, they have been spotted during different times of the year in North America because they have the ability to overwinter and emerge again in warmer weather. 13) Right now, we are still unsure about how many of these hornets exist in North America. 14) Some experts say that since they were first seen in 2014, the number of hornets has increased at an alarming rate. 15) Due to lack of information on these bugs, it is difficult to estimate how widespread they are currently. 16) One thing is for sure though - Northern giant hornet invasions need to be stopped immediately before they take over the planet! 17) So please take precautions against the population and destruction of these bugs! 18) Who knows what could happen if we let them establish themselves? 19) People who spot any swarms or small groups of these creatures should contact local authorities immediately! 20) Thank you for reading! Hopefully this blog post helped with your understanding of Northern giant hornets. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me below. 21) Sources: New York Times; ABC News; Scientific American

How can I avoid being attacked by northern giant hornets?

The best way to avoid being attacked by a northern giant hornet is to be aware of their nesting areas. If you see a nest, avoid it at all costs. If you are near a nest and are attacked, try to cover your head and face with clothing or a towel. The sting of a northern giant hornet is very painful and can cause serious injury, so it’s important to seek medical attention if you are stung. The most common symptom from the sting of a northern giant hornet is extreme pain followed by intense sweating. Sometimes people also experience chest tightness, difficulty breathing, nausea, and vomiting. 

What should I do if I'm allergic to bee stings?: Allergic reactions vary in severity depending on the person's past exposure to bee venom and how sensitive they are to venomous substances such as honeybee saliva or bee-venom serum. However, anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) always requires emergency care because there may not be enough time for the body's immune system to react adequately against this life-threatening condition. 

If you're experiencing anaphylaxis symptoms after a northern giant hornet attack: Call 911 immediately! Northern giant hornets have been known to cause anaphylactic shock which can lead to death. It is vital that you get treatment right away if you think that you are having an allergic reaction. One of the most common treatments for anaphylaxis is epinephrine injection, which reverses some of the effects. Depending on where you live, these injections might be available over-the-counter without a prescription; however, please talk to your doctor before using them. They are often administered through self-injection using syringes and needles provided in kits distributed by pharmacies. In rare cases, epinephrine can also be given intravenously or through inhalation devices called nebulizers. Other medications used for treating anaphylaxis include antihistamines like diphenhydramine and steroids like hydrocortisone. Once someone has received treatment, they will need to remain under close observation until stable. Some signs that show someone has recovered include normal respiratory rate, normal heart rate, feeling well enough to leave the hospital without any assistance, and producing urine within 24 hours of receiving treatment. Anyone who shows symptoms of anaphylaxis after a northern giant hornet attack should receive prompt medical attention in order to prevent complications or even death. Though one of the best ways to avoid being attacked by a northern giant hornet is to keep away from their nests, sometimes avoiding a large nest can be impossible. When you notice a wasp approaching, here are some helpful tips to minimize your risk of becoming stung: Stay calm and make sure you keep eye contact with the wasp. Do not swat at the wasp since it could fly further into you. Wave arms slowly and shoo it away while slowly backing up. Remain still and stand your ground when trying to drive off a wasp. Use a long object, such as a rolled-up newspaper or a net, to gently brush the wasp away. Never pick up or try to handle the wasp with your bare hands. If you are at home and are attacked by a northern giant hornet, it is best to use an insecticide spray or pesticide in order to kill the wasp. Keep in mind that no matter what you do, if you come across a nest of hornets, it is best to avoid it at all costs. Though you can call a professional to help remove the hornet’s nest, doing so yourself is extremely dangerous. It is best to wear a beekeeper suit and to protect your head by wearing a veil. Make sure that you are fully covered in order to protect your skin and clothes. Wear thick gloves if possible. Remember to only work at night, and never light a match or smoke near the nest. Remove as much of the nest as possible by taking it apart piece by piece, putting each individual part in a bucket or trash bag. If you are stung by a northern giant hornet, do not panic. It is best to seek medical attention if you feel that your health is deteriorating. Remember that getting bitten by a bee causes anaphylaxis which can be fatal and should be treated promptly with epinephrine injection. Always look for a warning sign of anaphylaxis, which includes difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of the throat or tongue, and sudden drop in blood pressure. If you or a loved one is experiencing anaphylaxis symptoms after a wasp attack or other insect bite, do not hesitate to contact emergency services. The symptoms may last up to six hours in some cases. For those who don’t have these symptoms, they will recover in two to three days. One other solution for those worried about an attack is insect repellent containing DEET.

Are there effective ways to defend against them?

While there are no guaranteed ways to defend against giant hornets, there are some steps you can take to reduce the risk of being stung. 

First, avoid areas where they are known to nest. Second, if you must be in an area where they are present, wear protective clothing. Third, keep food and garbage properly sealed and away from hornet nests. Fourth, be aware of the signs that a hornet is getting ready to sting and take care to avoid them. Fifth, have an emergency plan in place in case you are stung. Sixth, know how to treat a sting properly. Finally, keep an eye on the local population of giant hornets and report any sightings to authorities. If you live in a region where these hornets are common, it may be worth talking with your neighbors about reducing the likelihood of everyone in your neighborhood being stung. They also warn that people who have allergies to bee or wasp venom should stay out of the outdoors during hornet season.

A little over 50% of people who are allergic to bee or wasp venom will experience severe reactions if they get stung by one of these giant hornets. That’s why it’s important for people who are allergic to insect venom to stay indoors when hornets are in the air. Furthermore, individuals who have other medical conditions such as asthma might need to use caution too. For example, if you have asthma, make sure to bring along your inhaler so that you can manage the symptoms of an attack. Individuals who don't know whether they're allergic to bee or wasp venom should test themselves before heading outside into hornet territory. One way to do this is by performing a skin prick test using the venom from a honeybee or yellow jacket. To perform this procedure, inject a small amount of the insect's venom under the skin and observe for any negative reactions like redness, swelling, itchiness, pain, and warmth around the injection site. Allergies typically develop quickly after contact with an allergen which means that redness and swelling around an injection site within 15 minutes would indicate sensitivity to bee or wasp venom. Unfortunately there isn't much reliable information available about what percentage of adults react negatively to bee or wasp stings but it has been estimated at anywhere between 10-15%. It’s important to note that those percentages vary depending on where someone lives. Bee populations are most dense in the U.S., Europe, and Australia while wasps are most abundant in Asia and Africa. Since there is no cure for bee or wasp allergy, it’s imperative to protect oneself by avoiding outdoor activities during peak hours (around dawn and dusk) when these insects are more active.

Additionally, individuals with other types of allergies should consult their allergist before taking part in outdoor activities during hornet season because they could find themselves severely reacting to bees/wasps while outdoors. The Mayo Clinic recommends carrying antihistamines with you since histamine levels rise following an allergic reaction (such as a sting). In addition, they recommend that people who are allergic to bee or wasp venom and have been stung should seek immediate medical attention. This is the best course of action because anaphylaxis (a life-threatening allergic reaction) can occur in a matter of seconds. As with any condition, it’s always best to speak with your doctor about the safest treatment option. When the stinger is removed, a cool compress should be applied to the sting site and ice packs can help reduce swelling. Other treatments include oral antihistamines, corticosteroids, or adrenaline autoinjectors (also called epinephrine). Corticosteroids are powerful drugs that are only given when doctors believe they're necessary and when other treatments have failed. Adrenaline autoinjectors are given if an individual is having difficulty breathing or if they go into shock. If a person has a serious reaction to the sting, they should seek medical treatment immediately. There are not any other medications that work specifically for bee or wasp allergies.

What do they look like?

Northern giant hornets are the largest hornets in the world, and they look very similar to their smaller cousins, the murder hornets. They have a black and yellow striped abdomen, and their wings are orange with black stripes. They can reach up to two inches in length, and their sting is very painful. They’re mainly active during late summer and early fall, though they’ve been spotted as early as April. Unlike other species of hornet, they're not typically found near homes or villages. Instead, you'll find them in woodland areas on sunny days or just before sunset. What do they eat?: The main food sources for these giants are honeybees and other wasps, but they'll also feed on caterpillars, spiders, small mammals like shrews and rats--and even other insects if need be! In some cases when their primary food source isn't available, they will turn to humans for sustenance (which may explain why the name murder came about). They don't actually attack humans unless provoked or threatened by physical contact; however this doesn't mean you should provoke them! A human bite from one of these pests is incredibly unpleasant and itchy, so stay away if you see one. But how can I keep my family safe? There's no easy answer to that question since there's no surefire way to identify an individual hornet from another--even an experienced entomologist would have trouble identifying the difference between two members of different species. If there's any sign that you're dealing with northern giant hornets (such as seeing multiple individuals, hearing loud buzzing noises or finding piles of dead bees), it's best to take action immediately. Though thankfully rare, there are some recorded cases where whole colonies descended upon human settlements killing anyone in sight while searching for prey, which makes sense considering that they eat around 1kg worth of food per day! So what's the takeaway here? First off, it's important to know your local wildlife and understand how they behave. Know your environment and protect yourself appropriately against potential threats--whether they're wasps or bears! If you think there might be a threat lurking nearby, leave the area and seek help as soon as possible. Protecting yourself from unwanted interactions and insect bites is always key, so make sure you always wear long sleeves and pants, put on insect repellent, and carry plenty of bug spray. It's also wise to try to reduce outdoor activities when the sun starts setting--since northern giant hornets are most active at dusk. And if you do happen to come across one of these large wasps? Stay calm, avoid swatting at it or anything else that could make it feel threatened, and call someone who knows what they're doing. Call pest control professionals, or if you can't do that, there are a few other things you can do to get rid of the wasp. One option is to use a broom or umbrella to gently push it into a jar and seal it shut. Another option is to pour boiling water onto the hornet from a few feet away--but be careful not to get too close! This can work on larger species of wasps as well. Finally, you can also run into your house and close the door behind you, trapping the wasp inside with you--but again, it's important that you don't scare or otherwise provoke it. For more information on these giant wasps and what they're capable of doing--be sure to read our post on northern giant hornets! 

Despite their terrifying-sounding names, murder and giant hornets are relatively docile. They’re a little over an inch long, with black bodies and brownish yellow legs. Giant hornets have gray or black heads and necks. However, they can become aggressive when defending their nest or if threatened. When agitated, they make a hissing sound that can be mistaken for the word hiss in Japanese, giving them their unfortunate nickname of hissing hornets. Like many hornet species, these have stings powerful enough to pierce human skin and deliver venom that is lethal to some animals. Luckily for humans, our thick skin means it takes several stings to inject enough venom to seriously harm us. The most common reaction is pain, followed by mild fever and rash at the site of the sting. In rare cases, people may develop allergic reactions such as swelling around the mouth or throat, difficulty breathing, and shock. If you find yourself among hornets that appear to be agitated (head twitching and vibrating), stay calm and slowly leave without making any sudden movements. And never attempt to swat at a hornet—this will only agitate them further. The Northern giant hornet, which has invaded much of Asia, Australia, Europe and North America since 2001 has earned itself another moniker: the Murder Hornet. It can grow up to 2 inches long with a wingspan up to 3 inches wide; while it doesn't seem quite as big as its name suggests, it's still much larger than other types of wasps and bees. Its enlarged mandibles give it an appearance similar to the alien from Ridley Scott's Alien franchise. But unlike its extraterrestrial counterpart, this insect is purely terrestrial. As part of their diet, they hunt down large insects like beetles and locusts to feed themselves and their offspring. Unlike smaller hornets that make nests out of mud or paper scraps like the baldfaced hornet, the northern giant hornet constructs huge paper mache-like nests attached to tree branches in low bushes or on walls. The size of these nests varies between 4 square feet and 1 square meter but there have been reports of nests being as large as 10 square meters!

How big are they compared to other bees?

The Northern giant hornet is the largest hornet in the world. They are about 2.5 inches long with a wingspan of 3.9 inches. Their large size allows them to prey on other bees, including honeybees and bumblebees. While their size may be intimidating, their sting is not as deadly as the murder hornet's. It has been reported that they only release one quarter of the amount of venom that a typical wasp would release when stinging. A single Northern giant hornet will not kill someone unless they have an allergic reaction or if they are stung over 20 times at once. In fact, they are more likely to die from their own venom because it prevents them from flying away after attacking. However, this does not mean that you should let your guard down. If you see these insects near your home, please call the exterminator right away!

Where did they come from?

Northern giant hornets are native to temperate and subtropical regions of Asia, including parts of Russia, India, and China. In late 2019, a few specimens were found in the U.S. state of Washington. It's believed they arrived in cargo shipments from Asia. They can't survive long periods outside their preferred climate zones, so it is unclear how these insects survived the journey all the way to Washington. They may have hitched a ride on fruit or produce shipments; this seems likelier than them flying across oceans without landing for sustenance. But it is possible that some made the cross-continental flight. Regardless, there was one fateful hiccup in their plans: when they arrived in America, they landed smack dab in our home turf—an ecosystem to which they are not well adapted. The heat and humidity proved too much for them, causing most of the population to die off quickly. Nowadays, only small pockets exist around Seattle and its environs. The northern giant hornet has two common names now: murder and giant. The murder title stems from the fact that swarms will attack anything in sight, even honeybees (which are their main prey). If provoked, these hornets will swarm an individual with such ferocity that the victim might feel as if he or she had been murdered by bees. And what about giant? These insects grow to be 3 inches long with yellow markings on their head and thorax. Scientists have identified at least three species within this group of animals, but they're all closely related genetically. What sets them apart? Size! The largest species found thus far was 5 centimeters (2 inches) long! Other members of the genus are closer to 2 centimeters (1 inch) in length. How do you get rid of them?: One way is using acetic acid products containing Dursban, which kills many types of pests that frequent gardens and agricultural fields. There are also natural insecticides available for sale online, but those could potentially lead to harmful chemical residues left behind on food crops —so I recommend sticking with something more synthetic. It’s worth noting that the northern giant hornet does not sting humans unless threatened; their stings can actually be quite painful for humans because we don’t have any protection against such a powerful venom. The bite of a single hornet is enough to kill an average person. Honeybees, on the other hand, are more adept at defending themselves and have developed ways to avoid getting stung (including their famed waggle dance). The moral of the story: watch out for those honeybees. They've been doing this dance for millennia, and they know a thing or two. It's estimated that a colony of honeybees can have as many as 20,000 workers and 50,000 drones. That's a lot of potential murderers. So don't be fooled into thinking that they are harmless; they are not your friends. They'll steal your honey and destroy your hive. Stay away! 

A major problem with the northern giant hornet is that it will create these huge nests, often in trees or under roofs. They can be found almost anywhere and they have an enormous appetite for honeybees. This is bad news for humans, because these are the pollinators that help to keep flowers blooming and fruits growing on trees. It's important to note that a honeybee is not going to go anywhere near a nest of northern giant hornets; they will defend their homes from the invaders at all costs. Once the hornets attack, there is no escape. The most terrifying part about this whole ordeal? Their stingers are called murder horns because they can inject venom that causes death within 15 minutes. Some people use insecticides to get rid of them but there isn't much information about how effective this method is against them yet. The best way to prevent them from nesting in your home would be to eliminate any nearby sources of water, like leaks or puddles. But if you live in Australia or China where these animals already exist then you should check out what other methods are being used down there!

When will we be able to stop worrying about these giants?

As winter fades and springtime arrives, we can all breathe a little easier knowing that the dreaded murder hornets will soon be gone. But what about the Northern giant hornet? This species of hornet is actually more dangerous than the murder hornet, and they're native to North America. So why aren't we more afraid of them? Well, these killer bugs are not as big or as yellow-and-black striped as their smaller counterparts. But do not let their appearance fool you: They are just as aggressive and will swarm in packs on unsuspecting victims. They have been known to kill people in Japan and China by stinging them repeatedly until they go into shock or die from anaphylactic shock. When Japanese honeybees encounter a Northern giant hornet's nest, for example, the colony attacks it together until it's been completely destroyed—just like how honeybees try to destroy bee nests after the death of one of their own. The Eastern European hornet is also dangerous, but its stingers are less toxic than those of the Northern giant hornet. The Western European hornet kills fewer people per year than the Northern giant hornet does because it only lives around old buildings where humans don't often go. 

The reason why I'm writing this post is because I want everyone to know about this risk factor when planning trips outside this summer. It would be great if we could keep our fear levels at bay so that we can enjoy going outside during daylight hours again! Unfortunately, it seems like the best solution right now is awareness of these risks. Here are some things you should watch out for this summer:

Here are some things you should watch out for this summer: Wear long sleeves and pants when possible; never stand still near trees; always wear gloves when picking fruit, vegetables, or flowers; never turn your back on a hornet's nest without protection (wear protective clothing). Don't forget to tell your kids these precautions before they head out of the house. Just because they're young doesn't mean they won't get attacked!