Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 2: How to identify a hornet nest
• Method 2 of 2: How to recognize hornets by their appearance
• Tips
• Warnings

Hornets belong to the genus Vespa, they are the largest and most aggressive representatives of the wasp family (Vespidae) - the largest individuals reach a length of 5.5 centimeters. At the same time, the European hornet is not aggressive and rarely stings, unless it encroaches on its nest. Although there are many insects that are mistakenly referred to as hornets, there are actually about 20 species of true hornets around the world. They differ not only in aggressiveness, but also in that the venom of some hornets, for example the Asian giant hornet, is very painful and can be fatal. The best way to avoid being bitten is to recognize the hornets themselves or their nest in a timely manner by their appearance.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: How to identify a hornet nest

1. 1 Know what a hornet nest looks like. It looks like a gray oval-shaped object made as if made of paper. Although it's not actually paper, the hornets' nest looks like it and is made from their saliva and wood. It contains eggs, and hornets protect both them and their nest. Try to prevent insects from finding you near their nest, otherwise they will sense danger.
   • At first, the colony is small and resembles a honeycomb, but as it grows, the nest begins to resemble a ball, a stalactite, or an inverted blob.
   • By the shape of the nest, you can narrow down the likely range of its inhabitants, but you cannot determine exactly which insects live in it.
   • Paper wasps also use a paper-like building material, however they do not cover or protect their nest with paper.
2. 2 Look for a nest outdoors in a covered area. Hornets usually build their nests outdoors above the ground, such as on trees, poles, or sturdy bushes. They can also build nests under eaves or planks.
   • Hornets' nests are rarely seen in the fall after being sheltered by fallen leaves. By this time, most hornets die and leave only the uterus for the winter, which hibernates and survives the winter.
   • Conversely, wasps often build their nests close to the ground, underground, or inside some kind of free structure, for example, between the inner and outer walls of a house, or even inside an old mattress.
   • Some wasps build their nests high above the ground and are mistakenly called hornets. North American hairless hornet (Dolichovespula Maculata) is actually a species of wasps. Australian hornet (Abispa ephippium) is also a species of potter wasp.
3. 3 Estimate the number of insects. There can be up to 700 hornets in one colony. If the nest is much larger, it can be home to thousands of insects, most likely wasps. Look closely at the nest from a safe distance to determine whether you are dealing with hornets or wasps.
   • Regardless of whether the nest is large or small, you should contact a specialist. The more information you can provide them (about the size of the nest, and so on), the better they will be prepared to eliminate it.

Method 2 of 2: How to recognize hornets by their appearance

1. 1 Consider the characteristic signs. Hornets, like wasps, have a thin waist between the ribcage and abdomen. It is not for nothing that the concept of "wasp waist" exists. This distinguishes them from bees, in which the chest and abdomen are connected by a wide waist.
2. 2 Note the black and white stripes. Unlike bees with brownish yellow and black stripes and some other members of the wasp family, such as the common or burrowing wasp, which have bright yellow and black stripes, most hornets are black and white.
   • However, some species, such as yellow or European hornets, have a different color, so you need to pay attention to the "waist" of the insect.
3. 3 Consider the size difference between hornets and wasps. One of the main differences between hornets and wasps, which is noticeable both up close and at a distance, is body size. For example, the only true hornet found in the United States and Canada is the European hornet, and it grows to 2.5-4 centimeters in length. At the same time, common and paper wasps are much smaller, their length does not exceed 2.5 centimeters.
   • Like wasps, hornets have six legs and two pairs of wings.
4. 4 Consider other special features of the hornet. Unlike other members of the wasp family, the section of the abdomen closest to the chest, the so-called abdomen, has a more rounded shape in hornets. Therefore, when trying to establish who is in front of you, a hornet or a wasp, first of all look at the belly of the insect.
5. 5 Note the wider head shape behind the eyes. In hornets, the crown of the head is wider in comparison with the rest of the body than in other members of the wasp family.
6. 6 See if the wings are pressed against the body along its entire length. Some other members of the family of wasps at rest press their wings to the body, and this is another sign that distinguishes hornets from their relatives.
7. 7 Pay attention to the absence of chipping on the stinger. A bee sting is jagged, so it rips out of the insect's belly when it stings, costing the bee its life. At the same time, hornets, like other members of the wasp family, have a smooth sting and can sting again without losing it.
   • While this can help distinguish a hornet or wasp from a bee, if you get close enough to see the sting, it is best to step aside as soon as possible.

Tips

• Wasps are NOT a species of bee, but form a separate family.
• The hornets nest is founded by the uterus. She gives birth to working hornets, which expand the nest. In temperate latitudes, working hornets and drones die in late autumn, and only the uterus survives the winter.
• Wasp nests are open honeycomb-shaped and can be found almost everywhere, such as on a rock ledge, on a branch, on a lamp post, and even in the ground. The wasp nests are not covered with paper-like material.
• Hornets not only eat other insects, including pests, but sometimes hunt bees.
• As a rule, hornets do not fly around flowers and do not pollinate them. Some species of hornets (such as white-faced hornets) are attracted to autumn flowers such as goldenrod.
• Unlike wasps, hornets are not attracted to the sugar found in food and drinks in late summer. Hornets feed mainly on other insects and caterpillars.
• European hornet (Vespa crabro) is the only non-aggressive hornet. He usually prefers to bite people rather than sting them, even if cornered and caught.

Warnings

• Hornets are attracted to human sweat and quick movements. If you try to run away from the hornet, it will chase and, most likely, release a pheromone, which will signal its fellows to chase you as well.
• Thanks to communication with the help of pheromones, hornets are able to massively sting a target, which makes them a dangerous and formidable opponent.
• Do not go near the hornet nest and do not frighten them. It is best to leave the hornets alone.
• If a hornet approaches you, step aside. Do not wave your hands and do not try to drive him away, otherwise he will attack in response and signal the other hornets to attack you as well.
• An allergy to bee venom does not mean that you are also allergic to wasp or hornet venom. When in doubt, get tested for allergic reactions to wasp venom before heading out to an area where hornets are common.
• If you are forced to kill a hornet, try to do it as far away from its nest as possible, and then immediately move away. When attacked, the insect will release a disturbing pheromone that can get on your skin or clothing and attract other hornets to you until you rub it off or wash it off.
• Hornets belong to the wasp family, and if you are allergic to wasp venom, you will also be allergic to hornet bites. If you're heading to hornets, bring an adrenaline injection kit, and in the event of a bite, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
• Hornet bites are painful and dangerous due to the fact that their venom contains a large amount of acetylcholine.