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Bark beetles, ‘murder hornets,’ and other pests affecting Washington state

Stories by Tacoma News Tribune journalists, with AI summarization

This list of stories illustrates the spread of insects like northern giant hornets, the presence of pine sawflies on local trees, and outbreaks of the California fivespined ips beetle in places like Chambers Creek Regional Park. Warmer weather has helped gnats become active near Puget Sound while the western blacklegged tick contributes to Lyme disease cases in the state.

Population growth for these insects is tied to factors like climate change, local habitats and tree or plant health. State and local agencies monitor outbreaks of certain insects, recommend prevention steps, and remove infested trees or pests when needed.

Deer ticks can be difficult to spot. By Fotolia

NO. 1: LYME DISEASE CASE COUNTS ARE RISING ACROSS THE US. HERE’S HOW MUCH IT’S IMPACTING WA

The disease and the ticks that cause it, are spreading across the country. While northeast has been hit the worst, WA has seen a rise, too. | Published September 25, 2024 | Read Full Story by Madeline Everett

The northern giant hornet, native to Asia, has a body length up to 2 inches long. It is the largest hornet in the world, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. By Washington Department of Agriculture

NO. 2: INVASIVE ‘MURDER HORNET’ SIGHTING REPORTED WEST OF THE NARROWS. HERE’S WHAT WE KNOW

Washington Department of Agriculture is investigating a possible report of an invasive northern giant hornet in the area. | Published October 15, 2024 | Read Full Story by Julia Park

A biting midge, also known in the Lowcountry as a sand gnat or a no-see-um. By E. Scmidtmann

NO. 3: ARE GNATS WORSE RIGHT NOW AROUND THE PUGET SOUND? HERE ARE TIPS TO PREVENT THEM

Read about tips for protection, how weather affects the bugs, and insect repellents to avoid bites. | Published April 23, 2025 | Read Full Story by Constanza Montemayor

Todd Murray, an entomologist and director of the Puyallup Research and Extension Center at Washington State University, inspects a felled tree for California fivespined ips at Chambers Creek Regional Park on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, in University Place, Wash. By Brian Hayes

NO. 4: TREES FACE A DEADLY NEW PEST IN PIERCE COUNTY, INCLUDING AT POPULAR PARK

Crews removed more than a dozen trees this week after discovering an outbreak near the playground. | Published June 5, 2025 | Read Full Story by Constanza Montemayor

European pine sawfly larvae

NO. 5: THESE INVASIVE, WASP-LIKE INSECTS ARE EATING PIERCE COUNTY PINE TREES

The bugs pick away the foliage of pine trees. A local entomologist has tips on how to get the invasive species out of your garden. | Published June 2, 2025 | Read Full Story by Constanza Montemayor

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.