Washington is unlikely to have seen its last Asian giant hornets, the state’s agricultural department has said, after scientists found 200 queens in one nest. The nest – the first in the US – of the so-called murder hornets was captured with a vacuum from a tree in October. Researchers believe more queens – which are responsible for establishing colonies – could remain at large. But they are confident the population can be brought under control. Asian giant hornets are an invasive species in the Pacific North-West. They target honeybees, which pollinate crops. The insect, which is native to Japan and South Korea, can slaughter a bee colony in a matter of hours. They can also spit venom and inflict numerous powerful stings on humans.