The Northern Giant Hornet (Vespa mandarinia), the largest species of hornet in the world, can measure up to two inches in length. This insect gained notoriety in North America due to its size and its destructive attacks on honeybee colonies. Despite the widespread public concern, the Northern Giant Hornet is not established in Florida.
Current Status in Florida
Official reports from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services confirm that there is no evidence of the Northern Giant Hornet in the state. The species was first detected in North America in late 2019 in the Pacific Northwest, specifically in Washington State and British Columbia, Canada. These isolated sightings sparked intense eradication efforts by agricultural departments across the region.
The vast geographical separation between Florida and the Pacific Northwest significantly reduces the likelihood of natural spread. The multi-year effort to contain the invasive species in Washington State has been successful. The Washington State Department of Agriculture and the USDA recently announced that the Northern Giant Hornet has been eradicated from the United States, with no confirmed detections in the last three years.
Identifying Local Look-Alikes
Florida is home to several large insects that can be mistaken for the Northern Giant Hornet. The most common local insect mistaken for the species is the Eastern Cicada Killer Wasp (Sphecius speciosus). While the Cicada Killer can reach up to 1.5 inches in length, its physical markings are distinctly different.
The Northern Giant Hornet has a proportionally large, solid orange or yellow head and an abdomen with unbroken bands of dark brown and yellow-orange coloration. In contrast, the Eastern Cicada Killer has a smaller, brown head with a yellow patch on its face, and the yellow bands on its black abdomen are broken or jagged. Unlike the social and defensive nature of the invasive hornet, the Cicada Killer is a solitary wasp that rarely stings humans unless directly handled or provoked.
Another large insect sometimes confused with the Northern Giant Hornet is the European Hornet (Vespa crabro), which is an established, non-native species in the eastern United States. The European Hornet is smaller, typically measuring 1 to 1.5 inches. It possesses a mahogany-brown head and thorax, and the black bands on its yellow abdomen feature characteristic tear-drop shaped markings that are absent on the Northern Giant Hornet.
Stinging Insects Native to Florida
Florida residents regularly encounter established native stinging insects. Yellow Jackets (Vespula species) are highly aggressive social wasps commonly found nesting underground in abandoned rodent burrows or within wall voids of structures. They are scavengers attracted to human food and drinks, and they can sting repeatedly when their nest is disturbed.
Paper Wasps (Polistes species) are also common, building their umbrella-shaped nests under eaves, porch ceilings, or in attics. These wasps are less aggressive than Yellow Jackets but will vigorously defend their nest if a person approaches too closely.
A third pervasive threat is the Red Imported Fire Ant (Solenopsis invicta), which builds conspicuous mounds in lawns and fields. Fire ants swarm rapidly and sting multiple times, injecting venom that causes a painful, burning sensation followed by the formation of characteristic white pustules. Residents should exercise caution around these pests and avoid disturbing their nests. When encountering any of these established stinging insects, the safest action is to remain calm and slowly retreat from the area.