Hornets

Hornets resemble wasps, but are larger, are orange and yellow in colour and much less common. They tend to get a bad press, which is unfair, because hornets are much less aggressive than most people realize. Yes, they have a sting, but it’s no different from wasp or bee stings.

Hornets tend to keep out of our way. They make nests, just like wasps and bees, and usually hide them in trees. Sometimes, they will nest on buildings or very close to buildings, which brings them into contact with us.

Hornet nests can be destroyed in the same way as wasp nests, but we recommend it as a last resort. Their numbers are in decline across central Europe, where they are more widespread and controlled more frequently. It would be a shame if they suffered the same in the UK.