Hornet Wasp

Aggressive Stinging Insects Found Around Homes and Gardens–Hornet Wasps. A very severe sting can be inflicted on pets, even humans, and properties through these insects. Even though their presence might seem insignificant, they can pose severe health dangers quite seriously. Knowledge about how to identify, prevent, or eliminate both types of hornets and wasps is essential to any person’s healthy environment.

Physical Characteristics & Identification

Hornet wasps can be readily identified by their:

• Large size, with some species reaching up to 2.2 inches (about 55 mm) in length;
• Brown, red, or yellow markings (as opposed to the bright yellow of yellowjackets);
• Thick and robust body with pronounced waist;
• Large, stout jaws for hunting and nest-building.

The Asian giant hornet (Vespa mandarinia), commonly known as the “murder hornet,” is the most infamous member of the family simply because of its size and aggression.

Behavior and Social Structure

Like all social wasps, hornets form colonies consisting of:

• One queen (the only one who starts the nest in spring);
• Female worker wasps (who hunt, build, and defend);
• Males, or drones (whose only function is mating).

Hornets are extremely predatory, feeding on insects such as bees, flies, and other wasps.

Nesting Habits

Hornets build papery nests of chewed wood fibres, often in places like:

• Hollows of trees or dense shrubs;
• Inside attics, shed, or wall cavities, if near human dwellings;
• Underground burrows (in some species).

What Are Hornet Wasps?

Hornet wasps are a group of wasps that are generally bigger and more aggressive than other wasps. The hornet wasp which is mostly found in the U.S.A. is the European hornet wasp which is characterized with a brown body having yellow stripes. They make nests in hollows of trees, voids in walls, and under eaves. They are usually seen becoming more active during the late summer and early fall.

Why Hornet Wasps Are Dangerous

Unlike bees, hornets and wasps can sting more than once, while an individual’s allergic response to the venom can vary from swelling to anaphylaxis, which can be fatal. They become territorial and aggressive, particularly when disturbed, in very large numbers. Hence, appropriate methods of hornet wasp removal are of much importance.

Signs of Wasp or Hornet Infestation

Nests seen visibly inside or outside the house (trees, sheds, roofs, etc.)

• Buzzing activity very frequent in certain areas
• Chewed wood near fences or eaves (used for nest building)
• Aggressive behavior from stinging insects near your home

Once any of these signs are evident, the quickest action should be taken before the colony grows to bigger sizes and becomes more aggressive, dangerous and hard to eradicate.

Defensive Nature & Sting Dangers

hornets will only act aggressively upon provocation, and unfortunately, their stings are more dangerous than that of yellowjackets. Stings administered by hornets have the following characteristics:

• Their venom consists of some very potent neurotoxins (most notably, that of the Asian giant hornet)
• Fatalities from multiple stinging attacks have been recorded (in rare instances, even non-allergic persons may die)
• Hornets use alarm pheromones, triggering attacks from the swarm.
• Unlike bees, hornets are capable of repeated stinging without dying.

Ecological Importance

Despite their formidable reputation, hornets serve several useful functions:

• Maintain balance in ecosystems by controlling pest populations(they prey on crop-damaging insects).
• Pollinate plants, although hornets are not major pollinators.

How to be Safe when Encountering Hornets

Conflict with hornets can be avoided by:

• Do not touch the nests (the hornets attack in big numbers when threatened)
• Wear light clothing (dark colors incite attacks)
• Keep food and sweet drinks covered outdoors

Hire the professionals who handle nest removal, in case a nest is found near your home.

The Ultimate Solution: Wasp and Hornet Spray

First among the initial defenses is high-quality wasp and hornet spray. Such sprays are specially formulated to knock down stinging insects from a distance, which is usually around twenty feet. Ideal features of the product include the following:

• Instant knockdown power
• Long-range spray capability
• Residual protection to prevent re-nesting
• Safe use on outdoor structures

Pro Tip:

Always use wasp and hornet spray during early morning or late evening when insects are less active. Wear protective gear and never attempt to remove large nests without professional help.

Professional Hornet and Wasp Removal Services

If the infestation is quite severe, or if the nest happens to be in a location that would be hard to reach or would require dangerous measures to remove it from, there is always the option to pay a visit to a licensed pest control expert. Such professionals happen to be well trained in safely separating nests and applying long-term solutions to keep the nest from returning.