European Hornet
Vespa crabro Linnaeus
European Hornet Identification
Pest Stats
Color
Brown with yellow abdominal stripes and pale face
Legs
6
Shape
Long, robust, wasp-like
Size
3/4 – 11/2” (18-38 mm)
Antennae
Yes
Region
Found in 31 states, from the eastern seaboard west to the Eastern Dakotas and south through Iowa and Illinois to New Orleans
What Do European Hornets Look Like?
Adult European hornets are large insects. Their bodies are brown with yellow stripes on their abdomens. European hornets have pale faces. They have two pairs of wings and six legs. European hornets have long bodies and antennae.
Signs of an Infestation
Seeing large worker European hornets is a sign of infestation. Nests in common areas such as hollow trees, attics, porches and inside wall voids are another sign of an infestation, and may indicate that European hornet removal is necessary. Nests that are not covered by an external structure have a brown papery envelope. Nests that are sheltered have little or no envelope covering their cells.
European Hornet Prevention
European Hornet Sting
European hornets and other stinging insects sting to subdue prey or protect and defend their colonies. Hornets can sting repeatedly during an attack. Because European hornets have smooth stingers, they may not always detach after a sting. If the stinger becomes lodged in the skin at the site of the sting, it is important to remove the stinger as quickly as possible to curb the release of venom from the stinger.
When a sting occurs, clean the affected area thoroughly with soap and cold water and apply a cold compress or ice pack. Over the counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (including Aspirin, Ibuprofen and Naproxen) may be used as needed to relieve pain. Antihistamines and hydrocortisone ointment can help soothe the local reaction. If the local reaction worsens, see a doctor for prescription oral steroids or antihistamines. If a more serious reaction occurs, seek emergency medical assistance or call 911. Those who have known allergies to European hornets or other stinging insects should acquire epinephrine kits, know how to use them, and carry them at all times.
Please note that DEET and other insect repellents are not effective in protecting against European hornet stings. To prevent stings, avoid swatting at hornets. Instead, blow gently from a safe distance. Avoid attracting hornets to certain areas by keeping both food and garbage in sealed containers. Rinse out empty food containers before throwing them away.
European Hornet Education
Habits
European hornets are social insects and live in colonies that may contain between 200-400 members at their peak. They usually appear in late summer. European hornets prey on a variety of large insects such as grasshoppers, flies, yellow jackets and honeybees. They help control insects that would otherwise become pests without the local presence of European hornets. European hornets also eat tree sap, fruit and honeydew.
A European hornet nests in hollow trees, barns, out buildings, hollow walls of houses, attics and abandoned beehives. Unprotected nests are usually covered in a brown envelope made of cellulose from chewed up, decayed wood. European hornets are attracted to light and are known to repeatedly bang on lighted windows at night.
Fertilized European hornet queens spend the winter hibernating. In the spring, they use chewed upwood they have gathered to build a nest. The nest starts out with only a few cells in which the queen lays eggs. The queen feeds nectar and insects to the hatched eggs. When the hatched eggs mature, they become the workers. The workers are sterile females. Later in the summer, fertile females and males begin to hatch. Fertile, mated females will become the queens for the next spring. The workers and males die at the beginning of winter and do not overwinter for the following year.
Habitat
European hornets nest in hollow trees, barns, out buildings, hollow walls of houses, attics, and abandoned beehives. Unprotected nests are usually covered in a brown envelope made of cellulose from decayed wood.
Threats
European hornets can do a great deal of damage to trees and shrubs because they strip the bark to get to the sap. They also use the bark fiber to build their nests.
European hornets have smooth stingers, so they can sting over and over again. Hornet stings also carry venom that makes the stings hurt, itch or swell for about 24 hours. A European hornet sting has the same risk of allergic reactions as with other insect stings. If you suspect you have these pests on your property, you should contact a European hornet extermination professional immediately.
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