Killer Hornets Sting 28 People To Death

Killer hornets are terrorizing Southern China. The large insects are responsible for stinging 600 people and killing 28. The attacks have reportedly increased in the last three months.

Authorities in China are warning residents to avoided forests and open fields. They suspect people are being attacked by the giant Asian hornet. The aggressive insects are up to two inches long. Their stingers are about a quarter-inch-long.

The stinger delivers a powerful neurotoxin which can cause medical complications including death. As reported by Live Science, Asian hornets normally prey on other large insects, including honey bees and praying mantises.

They often kill entire colonies of honey bees to steal the honey and larvae. They kill the bees by consuming their heads. The then take the larvae to feed to their young.

The killer hornets are now becoming a nuisance for humans. Victims report being pursued for long distances and receiving hundreds of stings.

The hornets may be difficult to outrun, as they can travel up to 25 mph. They have enough stamina to fly more than 60 miles in one day.

The increased attacks are blamed on various factors, including the weather. The warm summer created the perfect environment for breeding.

Increased development of rural areas is also blamed for the attacks. As workers enter previously uninhabited areas, they are essentially invading the hornets’ territory.

Hiker, explorers, and farmers, are also at risk.

The Ankang Disease Control Center offered residents treatment guidelines. While 10 stings require medical attention, 30 or more require immediate emergency care.

As reported by South China Morning Post, specialized medical teams are trained and equipped to treat the injured. Unfortunately, treating the stings can be costly for patients. Hospitals are planning subsidies to help reduce some of the costs.

The local fire department is working to reduce attacks by removing nests from residential communities. More than 300 killer hornet nests were removed since July 1.

[Image via Wikimedia]