麻豆影视

Climate and Environment

    • Was this the bug that stung you? Wasp sightings revive murder-hornet concerns

    In photo provided by the Washington State Dept. of Agriculture, an Asian Giant Hornet wearing a tracking device is shown Thursday, Oct. 22, 2020 near Blaine, Wash. (Karla Salp/Washington Dept. of Agriculture via AP) In photo provided by the Washington State Dept. of Agriculture, an Asian Giant Hornet wearing a tracking device is shown Thursday, Oct. 22, 2020 near Blaine, Wash. (Karla Salp/Washington Dept. of Agriculture via AP)
    Share

    You only saw it for an instant before it got you.

    Narrow, translucent wings, patches of loud yellow and obsidian black; sharp, alien features and an even sharper stinger. Good heavens, the size of it!

    At first glance, it may seem this could only mean one thing -- that five years on from their first Canadian sighting in 2019, they may have finally come to your neighbourhood. The dreaded northern giant hornet, better known as the "murder" hornet, is here, right?

    Or was it just a regular wasp?

    As temperatures rise out of a mild El Nino winter, Canada's buggy season is already upon us again, and with apocalyptic visions of supposed killer insects still fresh in the minds of gardeners, beekeepers and afternoon-stroll enthusiasts alike, it's easy to let your imagination run away with you.

    Frightening though it may be, the prospect of buzzing death sweeping across the country remains remote, according to experts. More likely than not, the little monsters stalking your garden and harassing your local apiarist are one of many native or naturalized species, not a new or invasive bug.

    "What we see in any given year is going to change -- right place, right time," said University of Toronto entomologist Rosalind Murray, in an interview with CTVNews.ca. "With climate change 鈥 it's warmer, but the daylight hasn't shifted; [that] can make animals a little bit confused 鈥 it could be that some people are seeing, for the first time, these very confused hornets."

    Here's how to tell if the angry creature sticking out of your arm is worth raising the alarm for:

    Them!

    Formerly known as the Asian giant hornet, the northern giant hornet is a species of wasp native to India, China, Korea and Japan. The largest known species of hornet, they can grow to five centimetres in length, according to the Invasive Species Centre (ISC), a Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., nonprofit.

    The hornets' homicidal nickname can be traced to their highly predatory behaviour toward North American honeybees, not humans -- in fact, the ISC points out, though their sting is known to be painful, they typically only act aggressively toward larger animals if their nest is threatened.

    Northern giant hornets grabbed headlines in 2019 when officials in Nanaimo, B.C. and Washington state spotted specimens on both sides of the border. To local insects and arthropods, they pose serious risk to life and limb, which can also hurt plant populations as key pollinators come under attack.

    In the years since their west-coast discovery, governments have maintained a policy to destroy the invasive hornets' nests wherever they are discovered, and residents are encouraged to report sightings to their provincial conservation authorities.

    With temperatures creeping upward across North America, concerns have historically been raised about the widening area where a species like the northern giant hornet could conceivably survive the winter, hypothetically allowing for geographic spread.

    Sven Spichiger, Washington State Department of Agriculture managing entomologist, walks with a canister of Asian giant hornets vacuumed from a nest in a tree behind him Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020, in Blaine, Wash. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)Luckily, confirmed sightings have been sporadic. A cross-border database maintained by the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) shows that though northern giant hornets have been detected on 45 occasions since it began tracking them, the most recent of which was in 2021.

    鈥淭he work to ensure they are eradicated is not over yet,鈥 said WSDA managing entomologist Sven Spichiger in a November 2022 release marking the first season without a sighting since 2018.

    For WSDA to declare the species eradicated, three consecutive seasons must pass without detecting a nest or specimen. Canada, meanwhile, prefers to wait five years. With those milestones drawing closer this year, it's helpful to know just what they're looking for -- and what they aren't.

    If it flies like a hornet鈥

    This spring, social media posts of large, hornet-like bugs have cropped up thousands of kilometres from the B.C.-Washington border, in eastern Ontario.

    "Found this beast on our deck!" reads a post on a Carleton Place, Ont. Facebook group, depicting a large, yellow-black insect .

    "In recent days I have seen this , around my home," reads another post. "It was amazing to see the size of this thing. I guess about [two] inches [five centimetres]! HUGE!"

    A cursory search of local community groups returns plenty of frightening specimens hanging from branches, butting against the inside of homemade traps or brazenly taking flight, but alongside them are a cadre of amateur entomologists reminding locals not to jump to conclusions.

    "I鈥檝e been seeing a flurry of post[s] on local groups worrying that they鈥檝e seen an Asian Hornet AKA the Murder Hornet or Northern Giant Hornet (which has never been seen in Ontario), when in fact it鈥檚 actually a European Hornet (non invasive)," wrote a Smiths Falls, Ont. group member in a self-described .

    They're not the only ones to note the similarity. The ISC describes European hornets, which have resided in Canada as far back as the mid-1800s, as the species most commonly mistaken for the northern giant hornet, typically measuring a little over half the size, with lighter yellow colouring and distinctive, keyhole-shaped markings on each of their black stripes.

    European hornets do not pose the same threat to the local environment, and are considered "naturalized" to Ontario's ecosystem, according to the centre. Other species that could be confused with the so-called murder bugs: The bald-faced hornet, the yellowjacket wasp and the similarly named eastern cicada killer; all of which native or unobtrusive to eastern Canada, in modern times.

    A size comparison of the Asian giant hornet and several other insects. (Washington State Department of Agriculture)"Fortunately, there is currently no evidence of the northern giant hornet in Ontario," an article on the ISC website reads.

    "This means that we must continue to be vigilant and work to prevent their introduction and establishment."

    U of T's Murray notes that the cluster of hornet sightings of any kind might have a simple explanation: With excellent weather across the region on the first long weekend of the summer, it's possible that people were outside more than usual.

    "They're just lucky enough to get to seem them, this time," she said. "Humans behave differently when it's nice out as well."

    For more information, or if you believe you may have spotted a northern giant hornet, you can seek out your local . 

    CTVNews.ca Top Stories

    Canadian musician Jacob Hoggard has been found not guilty of sexually assaulting a young woman in northeastern Ontario eight years ago. The former Hedley frontman had pleaded not guilty to sexual assault.

    Police have arrested a Toronto woman in connection with three recent homicides and investigators say that they believe two of the victims may have been 'randomly targeted.'

    The body of a British Columbia mountain climber has been located and recovered after the 39-year-old man was reported missing during a solo climb on Washington state's Mount Baker earlier this week.

    A teen charged with the murder of another teen on Prince Edward Island last year has pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of manslaughter.

    A Saskatchewan man living in the United States has pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography after he unknowingly provided disturbing videos to an FBI agent he thought was a pedophile.

    Canada

    • Police have arrested a Toronto woman in connection with three recent homicides and investigators say that they believe two of the victims may have been 'randomly targeted.'

    • The body of a British Columbia mountain climber has been located and recovered after the 39-year-old man was reported missing during a solo climb on Washington state's Mount Baker earlier this week.

    • A Saskatchewan man living in the United States has pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography after he unknowingly provided disturbing videos to an FBI agent he thought was a pedophile.

    • Melissa Duff-Shore, a Cambridge, Ont. woman who killed her daughter in 2020, has been ordered to a forensic hospital in St. Thomas.

    • Canadian musician Jacob Hoggard has been found not guilty of sexually assaulting a young woman in northeastern Ontario eight years ago. The former Hedley frontman had pleaded not guilty to sexual assault.

    • A northeastern Ontario jury has started deliberating in Canadian musician Jacob Hoggard's sexual assault trial, we can now tell you what they weren't allowed to hear.

    World

    Politics

    Health

    Sci-Tech

    Entertainment

    Business

    Lifestyle

    • A five-seat sushi counter located inside another restaurant is the latest Vancouver eatery to receive a Michelin star.

    • What does New Westminster's t蓹m蓹sew虛tx史 Aquatic and Community Centre have in common with a historic 68,000-seat stadium in Beijing, an NFL stadium and the aquatics venue for the Paris Olympics? They've all been named among the world's most beautiful sports venues for 2024.

    Sports

    Autos

    • A Pickering, Ont., student going to college to be a mechanic is shocked the engine in his two-year-old car will not be repaired under warranty after the dealership claimed he had been 'over-revving' the engine.

    • A group of classic car enthusiasts donated hundreds of blankets to nursing homes in Nova Scotia.

    Local Spotlight

    Chantal Kreviazuk is set to return to Winnipeg to mark a major milestone in her illustrious musical career.

    From the beaches of Cannes to the bustling streets of New York City, a new film by a trio of Manitoba directors has toured the international film festival circuit to much pomp and circumstance.

    A husband and wife have been on the road trip of a lifetime and have decided to stop in Saskatchewan for the winter.

    The grave of a previously unknown Canadian soldier has been identified as a man from Hayfield, Man. who fought in the First World War.

    A group of classic car enthusiasts donated hundreds of blankets to nursing homes in Nova Scotia.

    Moving into the second week of October, the eastern half of Canada can expect some brisker fall air to break down from the north

    What does New Westminster's t蓹m蓹sew虛tx史 Aquatic and Community Centre have in common with a historic 68,000-seat stadium in Beijing, an NFL stadium and the aquatics venue for the Paris Olympics? They've all been named among the world's most beautiful sports venues for 2024.

    The last living member of the legendary Vancouver Asahi baseball team, Kaye Kaminishi, died on Saturday, Sept. 28, surrounded by family. He was 102 years old.

    New data from Greater Vancouver and the Fraser Valley shows a surge in supply and drop in demand in the region's historically hot real estate market.

    • Chayton Point loved to dance. Just ask his mom.

    • As the provincial election campaign reaches the halfway mark, the party leaders made pitches to voters on bread-and-butter issues: housing, child care and jobs.

    • Vancouver police have deployed extra resources in anticipation of multiple protests planned for Oct. 7.

    • Police have arrested a Toronto woman in connection with three recent homicides and investigators say that they believe two of the victims may have been 'randomly targeted.'

    • According to the Bank of Canada, close to half of all Canadians with a credit card carry a balance each month and those who do, experience more financial stress than those who pay off their credit card each month.

    • Canadian musician Jacob Hoggard has been found not guilty of sexually assaulting a young woman in northeastern Ontario eight years ago. The former Hedley frontman had pleaded not guilty to sexual assault.

    • Three Calgary businesses have been ordered to shut down after inspectors discovered evidence of uninspected meat.

    • A pedestrian is in critical condition after being struck by a vehicle in southeast Calgary on Friday night.

    • Alberta Health Services (AHS) says it is taking immediate action to expedite care for patients who had referrals to community health-care providers delayed.

    • NEW THIS MORNING

      NEW THIS MORNING

      New data shows the automated speed enforcement camera on King Edward Avenue, between Bolton Street and St. Patrick Street, issued 6,337 speeding tickets in August, the highest number of tickets issued by Ottawa's 40 photo radar cameras.

    • The owner of a Gatineau, Que. caf茅 says it's 'silly' that Quebec's language watchdog is telling the business to write its Instagram posts in French.

    • Gas prices in Ottawa are set to rise this weekend after a slight uptick overnight.

    • At least two people are dead and others are injured after a fire ripped through a century-old building in Old Montreal early Friday morning, sources told Noovo Info.

    • The owner of a Gatineau, Que. caf茅 says it's 'silly' that Quebec's language watchdog is telling the business to write its Instagram posts in French.

    • A 28-year-old female driver was seriously injured in a three-vehicle collision Friday afternoon in Saint-R茅mi, Mont茅r茅gie, reports the S没ret茅 du Qu茅bec (SQ).

    • A 79-year-old woman is dead after the vehicle she was driving crashed into an east Edmonton building late Friday afternoon.

    • A letter from Edmonton's mayor to the Alberta government detailing the city's fiscal wishlist ahead of next year's budget calls for fair treatment for the capital city, something several city councillors say isn't already happening.

    • A new docu-series that reveals what life is like for National Hockey League players on and off the ice during the playoffs is now out.

    • A teen charged with the murder of another teen on Prince Edward Island last year has pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of manslaughter.

    • The federal Fisheries Department says it is concerned about a "pattern" of violence and threats toward its enforcement officers after two tense incidents off southwestern Nova Scotia last month.

    • According to the Canadian Women & Sport's 2022 Rally Report, 76 per cent of girls who participate in sports believe it helps build confidence and enhances their mental health. While those benefits are important for all children, the organization's CEO says, right now, girls have less access.

    • Brady Oliveira and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers continue to roll along. Oliveira ran for a season-high 147 yards and a touchdown to power Winnipeg past the Hamilton Tiger-Cats 31-10 on Friday night.

    • A new report from Doctors Manitoba is calling for major changes to the way sick notes are issued in Manitoba, saying they are a waste of time for doctors and employers.

    • With winter right around the corner, thousands of feathered friends are flying south. New technology in Assiniboine Park is helping researchers around the world unlock the mysteries of this migration.

    • A Saskatchewan man living in the United States has pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography after he unknowingly provided disturbing videos to an FBI agent he thought was a pedophile.

    • A group of climate activists is challenging SaskPower's move towards natural gas, arguing it violates their Charter rights.

    • Regina kids facing mobility issues were gifted toy cars through the Go Baby Go program.

    • Police have laid charges after a car crashed into the side of a Kitchener home early Friday morning.

    • The K-W Symphony may have played their last concert but the musicians who made up the ensemble aren鈥檛 ready for their curtain call.

    • Melissa Duff-Shore, a Cambridge, Ont. woman who killed her daughter in 2020, has been ordered to a forensic hospital in St. Thomas.

    • The Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation hosted a virtual election forum on education Thursday evening, giving candidates in the provincial election a chance to share their thoughts and answer questions on issues teachers find most important.

    • A Saskatchewan man living in the United States has pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography after he unknowingly provided disturbing videos to an FBI agent he thought was a pedophile.

    • Saskatoon police arrested a homeless person at the scene of an encampment underneath the University Bridge on Friday morning.

    • Canadian musician Jacob Hoggard has been found not guilty of sexually assaulting a young woman in northeastern Ontario eight years ago. The former Hedley frontman had pleaded not guilty to sexual assault.

    • Two police officers in Greater Sudbury required medical attention for injuries they received arresting a man for the second time in just two days.

    • Police have arrested a Toronto woman in connection with three recent homicides and investigators say that they believe two of the victims may have been 'randomly targeted.'

    • In case you missed it, 麻豆影视 London has gathered all of the top local stories from this week into one video for your convenience.

    • Fall conditions have arrived in the Forest City, with chilly mornings and warmer afternoons in the forecast.

    • The Ministry of Labour is investigating a workplace incident that claimed the lives of two people in Georgian Bluffs, south of Owen Sound.

    • A woman whose son died last month while at a Penetanguishene, Ont. beach with another family member wants to see safety increased at the beach.

    • The Ministry of Labour is investigating a workplace incident that claimed the lives of two people in Georgian Bluffs, south of Owen Sound.

    • Provincial police are investigating a collision along Highway 400 in Tay Township Friday afternoon.

    • In case you missed it, 麻豆影视 Windsor has compiled all of the top local stories from this week into one video.

    • The Detroit Tigers are continuing their postseason push after sweeping the Houston Astros in the Wild Card Series 鈥 and the excitement is palpable across the Windsor-Essex region.

    • A London, Ont. man, who pleaded guilty earlier this year in a harassment case, has been sentenced to two months in jail for criminal harassment of a Windsor, Ont. family.

    • We haven't heard the candidates talk much about education during B.C.'s 2024 election campaign, but the teachers' union is trying to put the spotlight on that issue.

    • The body of a British Columbia mountain climber has been located and recovered after the 39-year-old man was reported missing during a solo climb on Washington state's Mount Baker earlier this week.

    • Many British Columbians were shaken awake early Friday morning when an earthquake struck in the Strait of Georgia, about 18 kilometres southwest of Tsawwassen.

    • Three young suspects have been arrested in connection with a swarming attack on a teenager in B.C.'s Okanagan last week 鈥 and authorities have asked the public to stop circulating disturbing videos of the incident.

    • A father in Kelowna is furious after his 13-year-old daughter was brutally beaten on Gyro Beach. He is calling for criminal charges in the devastating attack, which was caught on video by multiple bystanders.

    • The officer who shot and killed a forcible confinement suspect in Kamloops two years ago was justified in doing so, according to the Independent Investigations Office of B.C.

    • A person was airlifted to hospital following a serious crash in Taber, Alta., on Friday morning. Taber RCMP responded to the scene on Highway 864 around 10:30 a.m., for a crash involving an SUV and a semi-truck.

    • To enhance inclusivity at Lethbridge Polytechnic, the institution has launched a new accessibility micro-credential.

    • WestJet has changed its operations at the Lethbridge Airport, and it means there's now only a single daily flight from Lethbridge to Calgary, down from three flights a day, as offered previously.

    • Two teens, ages 14 and 19, have been charged with arson in connection with a July 14 fire in Cat Lake First Nation that destroyed $500,000 in construction materials.

    • A northeastern Ontario jury has started deliberating in Canadian musician Jacob Hoggard's sexual assault trial, we can now tell you what they weren't allowed to hear.

    • A suspect who accused Thunder Bay police of being responsible for his throat injury actually hurt himself when he swallowed a large amount of drugs.

    N.L.

    Shopping Trends

    The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at 麻豆影视. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop.聽Read about us.

    Stay Connected
    Follow 麻豆影视