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Table of contents:
HOW DO YOU IDENTIFY A HORNET?
It is August 2023 and this summer Three Counties Pest Control have already been called out to treat many hornet nests. In fact it is about a 50/50 split with wasps. If you've never had to deal with these stingers you might be wondering:
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A WASP AND A HORNET?
If you are thinking, wow that is a huge wasp, then it probably is a hornet as they are twice the size of wasps. Another differentiation is in the colouring - wasps are yellow and black, but hornets brown and black with an obvious reddish hue. Unlike wasps, hornets fly night and day and are attracted to light at night. They will fly in through an open window or hit the glass.
SHOULD I AUTOMATICALLY CALL A PEST CONTROL COMPANY FOR HORNETS?
Ideally no. They are important pollinators and predate other insect pests in the ecosystem. However, when there is an obvious health and safety risk then it is prudent to take action. Whilst hornets are typically less aggressive than wasps, the chemicals in their venom makes a sting far more painful than wasps or bees.
SHOULD I BE CONCERNED ABOUT ASIAN HORNETS?
Many of our customers seem to be aware of the Asian hornet. It has been discovered on mainland Britain, is an invasive species and decimates bee colonies. The screen grab below [courtesy of Fera] shows how to spot the difference.
DO YOU NEED HELP WITH HORNETS?
Why not check out the wasp and hornet nest page on our website by clicking the button below.