Idaho Agriculture: No confirmed reports of 'murder hornets' found in state

BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — The news of "murder hornets" being found in Washington state has spread through the U.S.

The Idaho State Department of Agriculture gave an update Thursday saying there have been no confirmed reports of Asian giant hornets being found in the state. And right now, only two specimens have ever been collected in the United States - both in northwest Washington.

"Each year ISDA investigates calls concerning the observation of possible non-native bees and hornets," ISDA said. "Some native species are surprisingly large with a color pattern similar to that of the Asian giant hornet. One local species of note is the Western Cicada Killer, which is reported multiple times each summer."

The ISDA said it is monitoring the Asian giant hornets situation closely and working with property owners, communities on control measures if the situation arrises.

ISDA left CBS2 with a warning:

Use extreme caution near Asian giant hornets. A person who is allergic to bee or wasp stings should never approach an Asian giant hornet. If you believe you have found an Asian giant hornet, please email info@isda.idaho.gov with information and photographs (if you can do so safely). You may be contacted by ISDA to discuss confirmation by scientific experts.

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