Several questions are coming in about the Asian giant hornet (a.k.a. “murder hornet”). To date, it has not been detected in Montana.

The Montana Department of Agriculture has set up vinegar and orange juice traps to monitor for any potential introductions (also in 2020). The design of the traps is based on what the Washington State Department of Agriculture has used in their sampling efforts.

 

Close-up photo of an Asian giant hornet with wings spread and its yellow and black stripes

Asian giant hornet. Photo by WSDA, Bugwood.org.  View larger image (66KB)

Look-Alikes

Photographs of insect species that resemble the Asian giant hornet.

Cicada Killer Sphecius speciosus

Photo of male and female cidada killers with black abdomens and yellow stripes

Photograph showing female and male cicada killers, Sphecius speciosus. Photo by W. Cranshaw, CSU, Bugwood.org.  View larger image (113KB)

Pigeon Tremex

Photo of a pigeon tremex with yellow and black coloration, and a long ovipositor

Pigeon tremex adult. Photo by Pest and Diseases Image Library, Bugwood.org.  View larger image (91KB)

Elm Sawfly

Photo of female and male sawflies with their wings spread and dark coloration

Elm sawfly. Photo by L. Kerzicnik, MSU Extension.  View larger image (66KB)

 

Further Information

See the Montana Department of Agriculture Beekeeper Program for more information on the Asian giant hornet.

To learn more about the topics discussed on this page, contact MSU Extension arthropod diagnostician Dr. Laurie Kerzicnik.  If you suspect an infestation on your property, contact your local extension agent, the Schutter Diagnostic Lab at Montana State University, or the Montana Department of Agriculture.

This July 2021 fact sheet is also available as a Printable PDF (461KB)

Disclaimer:  These recommendations are provided only as a guide. It is always the pesticide applicator’s responsibility, by law, to read and follow all current label directions for the specific pesticide being used. If any information in these recommendations disagrees with the label, the recommendation must be disregarded. No endorsement is intended for products mentioned. The authors and Montana State University assume no liability resulting from the use of these recommendations. The Montana State University Extension Service is an ADA/EO/AA/Veteran’s Preference Employer and Provider of Educational Outreach.

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