Hornets

Hornets – Effective Control Around the Home

Hornets are most commonly seen from late spring until autumn, when they build nests and search for food. They are often found near forests, orchards and gardens and in attics, sheds and other quiet locations where a colony can develop safely.

Although their appearance often causes fear, hornets are generally not aggressive without a reason. They become dangerous mainly when people approach or disturb their nest.

Why Do Hornets Appear Near the Home?

Hornets search for suitable nesting sites and sufficient food for the developing colony. In spring, a fertilised queen begins building a new nest, which gradually increases in size throughout the summer.

Their presence is most commonly encouraged by:

• suitable nesting sites,
• fruit trees,
• flowering plants,
• other insects,
• open waste containers,
• ripe fruit,
• wooden buildings and attics.

Hornets most commonly nest in tree hollows, attics, garden sheds, beneath eaves or in other sheltered spaces.

Why Are Hornets a Problem?

Hornets play an important role in regulating other insect populations, but their proximity may pose a risk to people. They defend their nests decisively and disturbing a colony may result in multiple stings.

A hornet sting may cause:

• severe pain,
• swelling,
• redness,
• a local allergic reaction.

People who are allergic to hymenopteran stings may experience a serious allergic reaction requiring immediate medical attention.

If a nest is located near an entrance, terrace or another frequently used area, timely action is recommended.

Where Are Hornets Most Commonly Found?

Hornets choose quiet and sheltered nesting sites with little disturbance and sufficient food nearby.

They are most commonly found:

• in attics,
• in garden sheds,
• beneath roof eaves,
• in chimneys,
• in tree hollows,
• in wooden buildings,
• in wall cavities,
• near orchards and forests.

Individual hornets are also frequently seen near flowering plants, fruit trees or locations where they hunt other insects.

How Can You Recognise the Presence of Hornets?

An individual hornet near the home does not necessarily indicate that a nest is nearby. However, if hornets are repeatedly seen in the same place or regularly fly in a particular direction, the colony is likely to be close.

How Can You Get Rid of Hornets Effectively?

If hornets only occasionally fly through the area, there is usually no reason to intervene. However, if they build a nest immediately beside the home or in a location where they pose a danger to people, the nest should be removed safely as soon as possible.

We recommend:

✔ avoiding the area around the nest,

✔ removing overripe fruit and other food sources,

✔ sealing openings that provide access to attics or other buildings,

✔ using dedicated products for hornet control,

✔ seeking professional pest-control assistance for large or difficult-to-reach nests.

The best time to treat a nest is early in the morning or late in the evening, when most hornets are inside and activity is at its lowest.

Interesting Facts About Hornets

• Hornets are the largest social wasps in Europe.
• Despite their size, they are generally no more aggressive than wasps. They sting mainly when defending their nest or when they feel threatened.
• A single hornet may catch dozens of flies, wasps and other insects in one day to feed its larvae.
• Every nest is founded in spring by one fertilised queen, and the colony dies out at the end of autumn.
• An old hornet nest is generally not reused the following year; a new queen builds a new nest.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between a wasp and a hornet?

A hornet is larger than a wasp and has a more robust body with a brownish-yellow pattern. Despite its size, it is generally less aggressive than a common wasp, although it defends its nest very decisively.

Is a hornet sting more dangerous than a wasp sting?

A hornet sting is usually more painful because a larger amount of venom may be injected, but it is not inherently much more dangerous than a wasp sting. Allergic reactions and stings to the face, mouth or throat present the greatest risk.

What should I do if I find a hornet nest?

Do not approach the nest or attempt to remove it mechanically. If it poses a risk to people or is located near the home, treat it with a suitable product or contact a professional pest-control service.

Do hornets attack without a reason?

No. Hornets are generally not aggressive and do not attack people without a reason. They become dangerous mainly when people approach their nest or try to drive them away.

How can I prevent hornets from building a nest?

Regularly inspect attics, garden sheds and other quiet spaces, seal openings through which hornets could enter and remove overripe fruit and other food sources from around the home.