PDFWAC 16-470-070

QuarantineHornet.

A quarantine is established under this chapter against any live life stages of all species in the genus Vespa (hornet) including, but not limited to, Vespa mandarinia. The quarantine does not include species that are not classified within the genus Vespa (such as wasps in the genus Vespula). Hornets feed on fruit and damage plants, as well as attack managed bee and other native insect populations. No species of hornet are native to Washington state. The director of agriculture has determined that the regulation and exclusion of all species of hornet is necessary to protect the environmental quality, forests, floriculture and agricultural crops of the state of Washington.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 17.24.011, 17.24.021, 17.24.041 and chapter 34.05 RCW. WSR 21-12-094, § 16-470-070, filed 6/2/21, effective 7/3/21.]