Hornets are the largest and most aggressive members of the wasp family, measuring 1-1 ½ inches in size. Being larger than other wasps, they inject more venom per sting. The sting of a hornet is more painful than any other wasp sting because hornet venom has a large amount of acetylcholine. Like other wasps, hornets can sting more than once because they don’t die after they sting you. Their stingers do not have a barbed end like that of a bee so they don’t leave it behind in your skin after they sting you. Hornets can be pests when they nest around humans because of their aggressive nature if they are provoked or feel threatened. Their venom can produce very dangerous reactions such as swelling, dizziness and difficulty breathing. The best way to prevent getting stung by a hornet is to be aware of their presence and by calling a professional to remove them.

Hornet Behavior

A group of hornets can be called a hive or a gist. Hornets like to eat anything sugary such as fruit, fizzy drinks, and tree sap. Young hornets feed off proteins in the form of insects and other animals. Hornets typically like to build nests in high areas like treetops, under roofs as well as in attics, sheds, garages and hollow tree trunks. Hornet nests are abandoned in the winter and a few of the young queens, along with her eggs, will survive the season. They do this by finding protected areas until the spring. When spring arrives, one of these queens will start a new nest and then the eggs will hatch and the workers will take over the task of taking care of the new hive. More and more workers will be produced to expand the hive. Before she dies, she will prepare for a new generation to restart the cycle.

Hornet Nests

Hornets construct their nests by chewing wood into papery construction pulp and the hornets mature from egg to adult all inside the hive. The queen dominates the hive and is the only female that can reproduce. Worker hornets build the hive, collect food, take care of the young and defend the colony. There are only a few males in the colony and their only job is to mate with the queen and usually die after the task is complete.

Stinging Insect Control

Removing hornet nests can be very difficult and very dangerous. If you upset the hornets, they will likely come after you and anyone else nearby! The larger a hornet nest is, the more hornets are in there and an attack from a large number of hornets can be fatal. It’s always best to contact pest control specialists to remove hornets and other stinging insects for you. Doing it yourself is not worth risking your life or anyone around you. Contact Rentokil if you come across a hornet or other stinging insect nest!