#WPABeekeepingSeminar update #1 ... (just when you think varroa mite was bad comes #waspzilla While not known to be an imminent threat, USDA and PA Dept. of Ag. are monitoring via traps for the presence of Asian Giant Hornet to try to catch any potential infestation early on. This hornet could have devastating effects domestically to EHB populations here in the Americas . While Asian honey bees (Apis c.) have adapted a heat defense against this hornet, the Western Honey Bee (Apis m.) is not so adept. These hornets are predator machines with a 3" wingspan and 25mph flight speed ... flying an average of 60 miles per day. One of these hornets can kill 40 honey bees per minute and they can decimate a 30,000 bee colony in less than 3 hours. They have invaded Europe but fortunately have not gained a foothold here ... although I'm sure with globalized trade that some have arrived. Just #beeaware