The Asian giant hornet (“murder hornet”) and mosquito illustrate nature’s potential threats.
Asian Giant Hornet
Native to East Asia, these hornets prey on honeybees, threatening pollination and agriculture. Sighted in the U.S. in 2019, they were contained by 2021 through monitoring and nest destruction. Though their sting is painful, fatalities are rare.
Mosquitoes: The Real Danger
Mosquitoes are the deadliest insect globally, transmitting diseases like:
- Malaria: Causes over 600,000 deaths annually.
- Dengue, Zika, and West Nile viruses: Impact millions worldwide.
Mitigation
Efforts focus on public awareness, eliminating breeding grounds, and using tools like traps, vaccines, and treated nets. These measures are vital to curb ecological and public health threats.
