WILMINGTON, N.C. – The state Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is asking you to be on the lookout for the Asian giant hornet.

Also known as the "murder hornet", and the largest species of hornet in the world, it emerged in Washington State in December.

State entomologist Whitney Swink said the hornet kills 40 to 50 people in Asia every year, but the pest is mainly a threat to honeybees.

"They can destroy an entire hive in 90 minutes, and they decapitate the bees when they do it – so, pretty graphic. They're mean. They're a mean insect," Swink said.

Fortunately, Swink said there is no reason to believe they have made their way to the east coast. But, people should still be on the lookout.

"If someone does come across one, absolutely, report it to us at the Department of Agriculture," Swink said. "Our goal, if it is found here, is to irradicate immediately. There are traps that we can set, and we'll certainly be doing that if the need arises. We might even be doing that as a preemptive measure this year."

Asian giant hornets can be distinguished from other hornets by their size and color. The hornets grow up to 1.5 to 2 inches long, and have completely orange heads.

If you think you have seen one, safely take a picture and submit it to the North Carolina State University's Plant Disease and Insect Clinic.