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Multiple traps for giant hornets set in Bellingham

By KIRO 7 News Staff and The Assoiciated Press

OSU professor sheds light on ‘murder hornets’ An Asian giant hornet from Japan is displayed at the Washington state Department of Agriculture, Monday, May 4, 2020, in Olympia, Wash. The insect, which has been found in Washington state, is the world's largest hornet, and has been dubbed the "Murder Hornet" in reference to its appetite for honey bees, and a sting that can be fatal to some people. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

By KIRO 7 News Staff and The Assoiciated Press

BELLINGHAM, Wash. — Nearly a dozen traps to catch Asian giant hornets have been placed in multiple parks and green spaces in Bellingham.

It’s part of an extensive effort to eradicate the invasive species. The Bellingham Herald reported that the Bellingham Parks and Recreation Department has said nine volunteers agreed to monitor the clear plastic bottle traps in 10 different areas.

The bottles contain a mixture of orange juice and rice cooking wine or sake.

>>RELATED: Giant hornets spell trouble for beekeepers, farmers in Washington state

Asian giant hornets are brutal to pollinators, known to decapitate honey bees.

The Washington State Department of Agriculture does invite residents in the state to participate in trapping, but the department is particularly interested in trapping information from Whatcom, Skagit, Island, San Juan, Jefferson and Clallam counties. 

Anyone who is interested in getting involved with the trapping program, click here for more information.

The WSDA is warning trapping activities are performed at your own risk.

There have been five confirmed sightings of the hornet in the state, all in Whatcom County. 

Cox Media Group

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