northern giant hornets and human health

Although not typically aggressive toward humans, northern giant hornets will sting people who attempt to handle them. They’ll also sting while defending their nest or defending a beehive they are attacking. Mass hornet attacks are very rare, but they can occur; in extreme cases, they can cripple or even kill victims.

While northern giant hornet venom is similar to other stinging insects, it’s not the same. The hornet’s large size means:

• Its stinger is longer than that of a typical wasp. The protective clothing beekeepers usually wear is not sufficient to protect against stings.
• A single sting can deliver a larger dose of venom. 
• The sting is more dangerous than that of local bees and wasps. A sting can damage tissue and cause substantial pain. 

Use extreme caution near northern giant hornets. A person who is allergic to bee or wasp stings should never approach hornets.

Like other hornets and wasps, NGH can sting several times. To reduce the chance of stings, the state Department of Health recommends the following preventive measures.

To make yourself and your home less attractive to these hornets:

• Avoid wearing fragrant perfumes, cologne, lotions, or hair products.
• Keep food and drink covered or under screens when eating outdoors.
• Clean up and dispose of food and garbage properly, including decaying fallen fruit, and dog or other animal feces.
• Use wasp guards on humming bird feeders to prevent Asian giant hornets from accessing the liquid.

If you encounter a northern giant hornet, slowly and calmly leave the area. Swatting may cause it to sting. If you encounter several hornets, run to get away from them or dive into dense brush to make it harder for them to get to you. If a hornet flies inside your vehicle, stop the car slowly, and open all the windows.

If an hornet stings you, wash the site thoroughly with soap and water and apply ice to slow venom spread. There will be no stinger to remove. Seek medical attention if you are stung multiple times or you have signs of an allergic reaction. Take an antihistamine or apply creams to reduce itching if necessary.

Call 911 if any of these signs occur:

• Trouble breathing, wheezing, or shortness of breath.
• Swelling anywhere on the face or in the mouth.
• Throat tightness or difficulty swallowing.
• Feeling faint or dizziness.
• Turning blue.

Learn more about Northern giant hornets and other stinging insects at the Washington State Department of Health’s web site.  

The Washington State Department of Health has provided these recommendations regarding Asian giant hornet and human health.