Kassidy Vavra, Henry Pettit – April 9, 2020
GIANT Asian hornets that have begun to invade the coronavirus-stricken U.S. may cost the economy millions of dollars a year.
The insects, which can kill with a single sting, may have a devastating impact on the already dwindling honeybee population in the U.S.
Experts estimate the pests may cause America a staggering $29.3 million as they invade.
The invasion is projected as a coronavirus-stricken U.S. is already facing economic setbacks.
Millions are out of work – with nearly 17 million applying for unemployment in the last three weeks alone – as more than 432,000 cases of the virus have been confirmed in the U.S. alone.
Many experts have warned of a looming recession, as businesses have been forced to shutter their doors due to stay-at-home orders.
Asian hornets are similar to European hornets that live in the U.S., but they are not native to America.
They are large insects measuring almost 2in long, originally from Southeast Asia, that prey on small creatures – especially bees.
Just one sting is enough to kill someone allergic to their venom.