Killer bees are not pestilence. That category is reserved for locust swarms.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019%E2%80%9320_locust_infesta...

And what term would the ancients have given to a plague of hornets?

You are technically correct, the best kind of correct.

The many facets of carrying capacity population dynamics--

"The vices of mankind are active and able ministers of depopulation. They are the precursors in the great army of destruction, and often finish the dreadful work themselves. But should they fail in this war of extermination, sickly seasons, epidemics, pestilence, and plague advance in terrific array, and sweep off their thousands and tens of thousands. Should success be still incomplete, gigantic inevitable famine stalks in the rear, and with one mighty blow levels the population with the food of the world." — Thomas Malthus, 1798. An Essay on the Principle of Population

Well, rather those than famine or war.

We've had famine and war for as long as I can remember. Pretty sure plague and pestilence are the late comers to this party.

Meat agriculture, climate change, globalization, and airline travel will initiate the crash.

Give it time, give it time.