By Janelle Bode | Edited by Jana Rolland | May 09, 2022
We’re not the only ones looking forward to the return of warm spring weather- Northern giant hornets (Vespa mandarinia) may soon be poking their heads out to enjoy the sunshine, too. This invasive insect is the largest species of hornet in the world and brings with it many potential negative impacts to native North American flora and fauna.
Northern giant hornets typically nest in underground cavities or tree stumps and feast on insects and honeybees. As new queens emerge from their winter hideouts to search for spring nesting opportunities, they’ll be hungry for carbs like tree sap and may even try to feed from hummingbird feeders.
Beekeepers in the commercial pollinating industry are particularly concerned about the impacts Northern giant hornets may have on BC’s native pollinators, and what effects a growing population could have on our agriculture in the future. Keeping up with the hornet’s activity through the spring and preventing its establishment in the province is critical to protecting the health and wellbeing of our native ecosystems.
First detected in Nanaimo in 2019, Northern giant hornets are believed to have arrived on container ships. This first nest was quickly destroyed, and Vancouver Island and the surrounding Gulf Islands were declared free of this invasive insect. But the situation on the mainland turned out differently when, that same year, a single hornet was collected in White Rock, BC and then in late 2019 one was found in Blaine, Washington. Since then, both sides of the Canada-US border have been scoured, and a small number of specimens found in the area between 2019 and 2021.
Luckily for our native pollinators, DNA sequencing studies of these hornets revealed that the nests were closely genetically related. Provincial Apiculturalist for BC, Paul van Westendorp, has set and monitored hornet traps in this region for years. He calls this finding significant: “Close relatedness limits the hornet’s future viability to establish a viable pest population.”
ISCBC is planning to work with Paul to set and monitor traps again in 2022 to continue monitoring the status of the Northern giant hornet in the BC-Washington border region.
Asian giant hornet (Vespa mandarinia) nest removal, 2021
What You Can Do
We need your observations! The best way to keep tabs on these insects is through visual surveys and reports. We are asking that community scientists assist in our monitoring efforts and be on the lookout for Northern giant hornet queens. If you have a hummingbird feeder keep both an ear and an eye out this spring!
Dr Nick Wong, ISCBC’s Senior Lead, Science, describes the insect’s unique features that make it easy to recognize: “While on the lookout for Northern giant hornets, look for a large orange head with prominent black eyes and large jaws. Queens can be up to 4-5 cm in length with a black and orange striped abdomen. The thorax (where the legs and wings attach) is dark brown or black, and the wings are tinted dark brown.”
Northern giant hornet (Vespa mandarinia)
Northern giant hornet (Vespa mandarinia)
Please report any sightings through the Report Invasives App or the ISCBC website. Include a photo if possible!
Janelle is a Research & Science Coordinator with ISCBC. She is passionate about ecological restoration and sharing information with others about invasive species. You can reach Janelle at research1@bcinvasives.ca.
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Invasive News
Beautiful BC’s Waterways – Silent Threats
As the days get longer, many of us are looking forward to getting out on the water. Whether it be a long-awaited fishing trip up north or a blue bird day on a sunny interior lake, we can’t wait! BC’s aquatic ecosystems are amazing, ranging from big coastal rivers to small inland lakes, mountain streams and remote hot springs. These waters support an incredible array of native biodiversity—from aquatic invertebrates and plants to fish, frogs, turtles, mammals and birds. They also support economically and culturally important salmon and trout species.
As travel opens up, many of us will move around in search of adventure and connections with nature. However, the travel we love can create opportunities for aquatic invasive species to come along uninvited, by hitching a ride on your boat, in your bilgewater, and on your gear. Invasive species pose the second largest threat to biodiversity after habitat loss and cost Canada billions of dollars a year in damages. Aquatic invasive species can destroy salmon spawning habitats, outcompete native species for food, and even consume native species! Prevention is the only effective method of controlling aquatic invasive species, as once they become established in a water body it is almost impossible to get rid of them.
Aquatic invasive species to watch out for:
Zebra and Quagga Mussels – Not Yet In BC!
These two species of freshwater mussels made their way to North America on cargo ships from the Mediterranean and Black Seas. After infiltrating the Great Lakes, these species quickly spread across most of eastern North America, mainly by hitching rides on boats, trailers and gear. One mussel can lay as many a one million eggs, and young mussels – called veligers – are microscopic and can survive in bilge and ballast water. These mussels attach to every available surface, costing billions of dollars in damages to water treatment infrastructure, irrigation lines and industry. They also deplete the nutrients in surrounding waters and their sharp shells can make beaches unusable, posing an enormous threat to tourism and property values. BC has established boat inspection stations at the provincial borders and all watercrafts MUST stop for inspection. In 2021, nearly two dozen mussel contaminated boats were detected at boat inspection stations, and these cases will increase as more boaters hit the water. It is critical to Clean, Drain and Dry all watercraft before entering a new water body – we must prevent the spread!
Zebra mussels. Credit: Slocounty Gov
Yellow Perch, Bass and Northern Pike
As far as invasive fish go, northern pike, yellow perch and small and large-mouth bass are heavy hitters. With one of the largest appetites in the freshwater world, these fish threaten salmon and trout populations by consuming them and outcompeting them for food. These fish can tolerate a range of aquatic conditions and have no natural predators in BC waters. Perch, bass and pike are often introduced by anglers trying to “stock” their favourite lakes to fish, not realizing the potential impact to native species. Once introduced to a water body, management is virtually impossible. It is illegal to move live fish or use live bait in BC!
If you catch or spot these fish, contact the Report All Poachers and Polluters line (RAPP) 1-(877)-952-7277 to report.
Yellow perch. Credit: M Herborg
Northern pike. Credit: G Mittenecker
Largemouth bass. Credit: wetaworm.com
Whirling Disease
Whirling disease is a microscopic parasite that has serious impacts on juvenile trout and other fish species. The parasite infects the spinal column, causing the fish to swim around in “whirling” patterns, and having a blackened tail or “bent” appearance. Whirling disease was introduced to Pennsylvania from Europe in 1956 and has spread to many parts of North America, including Alberta. Whirling disease has been found in live bait shops and even pet stores. This serious disease can cause up to 90% mortality for juvenile fish in susceptible populations.
Whirling disease is spread to new waterbodies by fouled boats and contaminated angling gear such as waders, boots, and tackle. Anglers can do their part to prevent the spread of whirling disease by avoiding the use of live bait, cleaning catch where it was caught, and disposing of fish parts into the garbage as the parasite can spread from bait and unused parts of a harvested fish. It’s also critical that anglers Clean, Drain and Dry every piece of their equipment after use, and that felt-soled waders be cleaned with gear cleansing detergent such as Tech Wash ®.
Whirling disease infected juvenile trout. Credit: State of Colorado via Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation
Eurasian Watermilfoil
Milfoil is an invasive aquatic plant that can spread and reproduce from seeds, buds, roots, and even tiny plant fragments. It grows in thick, dense mats that alter habitats by crowding out native species, reducing oxygen levels and impeding water flow. This causes negative impacts to biodiversity and reduces salmon and trout habitat. Eurasian watermilfoil can also cause park and lake closures, as heavily-infested lakes create a drowning risk for swimmers and may damage boat motors.
Eurasian watermilfoil is spread by plant fragments that cling to trailers, boats and gear. Prevent the spread by avoiding boating through infested areas and inspecting your boat and trailer before moving to any new waterbody. Ensure that all parts of your boat, trailer, and vehicle have been thoroughly cleaned, drained and dried before departure. Anglers should also be aware of snagging milfoil while fishing and ensuring all lures, lines and equipment are cleaned before departing the area.
Eurasian watermilfoil. Credit: A Fox
Yellow Flag Iris
Yellow flag iris is a riparian plant with beautiful yellow flowers that was introduced in water gardens by the horticultural industry. It can quickly take over a wetland, marsh, pond or shoreline, crowding out native species and reducing habitat for native plants, birds and amphibians. Watch for this all-yellow iris and report it!
Yellow flag iris. Credit: L Scott
What Can We Do? Simple Actions to Stop the Spread!
Clean Drain Dry!
As a boater, always remember to Clean, Drain and Dry all gear, clothing, boats, vehicles, and trailers before traveling to a new waterbody to ensure you don’t bring invasive species along with you. Build in some time at the end of every trip on the water to follow these best practices for preventing the spread of invasives.
Always stop at the boat inspection stations throughout the province to ensure that you are not transporting invasive species by mistake.
Don’t Let it Loose!
Never release any pets into the wild, or dump aquarium water or plant parts into water bodies. Invasive species such as the red-eared slider turtle, goldfish, American bullfrog and parrots’ feather were introduced by aquarium dumping.
Never introduce any fish to a water body or use live bait when fishing – it is illegal and can introduce invasive species that will damage habitats and native species.
Report!
One of the most important things you can do to protect ecosystems is to report the invasive species you come across. Download the Report Invasives BC or iNaturalist apps to easily submit your observations. Your reporting contributes to knowledge of where species occur and can alert specialists and land managers to respond to outbreaks quickly. To learn more about how to use these reporting tools, go to https://bcinvasives.ca/take-action/report/
Enjoy BCs beautiful waters and do your part to protect these amazing ecosystems from aquatic invasive species!
The Invasive-Wise Tourism Program is a partnership between Invasive Species Council of BC and Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Funding for the program was provided through Fisheries and Oceans Canada through the Canadian Nature Fund for Aquatic Species at Risk.
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Week 4: Stopping Invasives Together
Stopping invasive species is a shared responsibility, and every action contributes to the bigger picture. When people, communities, and organizations take InvasiveWise action together, those efforts add up to meaningful collective impact.
Simple actions you can take:
Join a local stewardship or invasive species removal event
Preventing invasive species starts with awareness. By learning how to identify invasive species, understanding how they spread, and knowing when to report them, anyone can help detect invasive species early and prevent them from becoming established.
Spending time outdoors connects us with nature, but it also comes with responsibility. Invasive species can hitchhike on boots, bikes, boats, pets, and gear, spreading between trails, lakes, and campsites. By taking a few simple steps before and after your outdoor activities, you can help prevent their spread.
Gardens, yards, and community greenspaces can help prevent the spread of invasive species. By choosing native or non-invasive plants, you can support pollinators, wildlife, and healthy ecosystems while reducing the risk of invasive plants escaping into natural areas.
When people join forces with a shared purpose, real change happens. Even small actions, fueled by intention and care, can create a powerful impact. Invasive species are advancing faster than ever, threatening the lands, waters, and communities we love.
Your gift today powers rapid response, equips communities, and strengthens our united front to stop the damage before it’s too late. Every moment counts – let’s act now to protect a thriving, resilient B.C.
“I have had a wonderful experience of growth and connection through the ISCBC youth program… It has been a pleasure to contribute to the important environmental work happening in my community…”
– Sophie Warren
“I can sincerely attest to the fact that the ISCBC efficiently utilizes funding in the most innovative and effective ways. I know that my donation dollars are going to go to work right away and will make a difference…”
– Eric Nijboer, Spectrum Resource Group Inc
“The resources and workshops provided by the Invasive Species Council of BC are excellent tools and offered our class an in-depth, interactive, and meaningful learning experience.”
