Carrying toxic stings, the toxic honeybee-eating hornets have been found in Nanaimo, Vancouver Island for the very first time. Three large Asian giant hornets were founded according to a B.C. Ministry of Agriculture press release. The hornets are known for preying on innocent honeybees, and can destroy their hives in a very short time span. Luckily for honeybees, the hornets will become dormant in during Autumn and Winter.

Asian giant hornets have a large head and can be either orange or yellow and brown in colour. The queen hornet is known to be approximately 5cm in length with a wingspan of 7cm, whereas workers measure 3.5cm in length.

It is advised that if you are to come across an Asian giant hornet nest to stay away and to not disturb it in any way. If you are unlucky enough to be stung by a hornet, heath professionals have advised to compress the wound with an ice pack which will reduce inflammation. They also recommend not rubbing it, as this could cause the venom to spread. Studies have shown that people that are stung ten times or more are more exposed to developing toxic or allergic reactions which include dizziness. If this is to happen, you should seek medical help immediately.

“Asian giant hornets do not seek out human food and feed on insects only,” the press release said. “If a nest of hornets is encountered, do not disturb the nest or the hornets and leave the area. Stings are rare, but may occur if their nest is disturbed. Due to the larger amount of venom injected, a sting from an Asian giant hornet can be very painful and cause localised swelling, redness and itching.”