Quick European Hornet ID Summary
European hornets are large (often around 1 inch long) with a reddish-brown head and thorax and a yellow abdomen marked with dark “teardrop” shapes. They usually build nests in hidden cavities—especially hollow trees, but can also be found nesting in wall voids, attics, sheds, and barns—rather than the exposed “football shaped” nests you see with bald-faced hornets. A common clue you have European Hornets: they can be active after dark and may show up around porch lights and windows.
Common characteristics
- Body Size: 3/4 – 11/2” (18-38 mm)
- Common Characteristics: Large and brownish colored with yellow abdominal stripes and a pale face
- Antennae: Yes
- Number of Legs: 6
- Wings: Two pairs of wings. Reddish-orange in color and translucent
- Habitat: Will nest in hollowed out trees, out buildings, barns, hollow walls of houses, attics, and abandoned beehives.
Introduction to the European Hornet
The European Hornet is large and known as the brown or giant hornet. European Hornets can live all over the state of Virginia. They’re found as far west as the Eastern Dakotas.
In the 1800s, they were introduced to the United States, which is how they got their name.
These insects are much larger than yellow jackets. Plus, they are active at night, which is unusual. European Hornets are attracted to light in the evening. More than likely to help them hunt prey.
Although the hornets don’t sting unless threatened, their size makes them alarming. On this page you’ll find information on their habitats, how they act, and the risks they pose.
European Hornet Habitat
The European Hornet likes to build its nest in hollow places. In Virginia, you’ll find the hornets nesting in hollow trees and abandoned beehives, on the side of your house, in the voids of your walls, and thick bushes.
Their nests aren’t suspended and built at least six feet off the ground. European Hornet nests are not football-shaped like bald-faced hornet nests. The hornets build the nest by chewing wood fibers and mixing them with their saliva to make a paper-like material.
Usually, part of the nest will be exposed to the elements, outside the void. Most European Hornet nests will have 200 – 400 members.
European Hornet Behavior
European hornets are social insects that live in colonies. Each colony can have between 200 and 400 hornets at one time. Usually, you find these hornets in late summer.
European Hornets have a diverse diet. They eat many large insects like grasshoppers, flies, yellow jackets, and honeybees. They even eat tree sap, honeydew, and fruit.
They are important to the environment. Why? They help control insect populations that would become pests without their presence.
A fertilized queen will spend the winter hibernating. In the spring they emerge and gathers they wood they chew up to build a nest. The nest starts small and the queen begins to lay eggs.
The hatched hornets then feed on nectar and insects the queen provides. After the hornets mature they become workers.
The workers are all female. Later in the summer, fertile females and males will begin to hatch.
The mated females will then hibernate and become queens the following spring. The males and workers will die out.
Does The European Hornet Pose Any Dangers?
The European Hornet look scary, but won’t sting unless threatened. When they do sting, they can sting multiple times. If you’re allergic, you should seek medical attention if you’re stung. Their stings are painful and cause swelling, difficulty breathing, and anaphylaxis.
The hornets can cause damage to your property. If they build a nest on your home, they will chew through the wood to build it.
In addition, they pose a threat to local bees and other beneficial insects. The ecosystem can become disrupted and pollination in gardens and farms can be reduced.
Do You Have A European Hornet Nest?
Contact GreenShield Home & Pest Solutions for a free, same-day pest inspection.