Subject: Huge Bee type bug
Location: Wrentham, MA
September 7, 2013 2:35 pm
My daughter thought she had a mouse in the attic above her bedroom ceiling. Upon investigation, my husband found these in the area of the house. They’re about 2-3 inches long. Are they a bee? Or maybe a wasp? We’re not quite sure what they are and what we need to do about them. It’s Sept 7th in Wrentham, MA, USA.
Signature: Stephanie G
Dear Stephanie,
These are European Hornets, and judging by the number, we are guessing there is a nest hidden past that opening. According to BugGuide they live in: “Woodlands. Paper nest is built in hollow trees, or in human structures such as attics. Adults come to lights.” BugGuide also notes: “The nest reaches its peak size towards mid September. At this time the queen lays eggs that develop into males (drones) and new queens, she then dies shortly after. The new queens and males mate during a ‘nuptial flight’, after which the males die, and the newly mated queens seek out suitable places in which to hibernate; the old nest is never re-used. Based on that information, we would speculate that nothing needs to be done about them at this time since the colony will be dying with the queen and any progeny will most likely nest elsewhere.
“
Although they do not re-use the same nest, I have found that they DO return to the same place to make a new nest. This is very annoying when they nest is in a high traffic area and one does not endorse extermination…
For the record, our tolerance level drops significantly with nonnative species.
To prevent hornets, change exterior lights to yellow to reduce their attraction. Also, don’t hesitate to remove any fallen fruits from surrounding trees, as these may lure them in too.
DIY is not advised for removal. Call in experts, let them handle the job.
https://atticmech.com/
To prevent hornets, change exterior lights to yellow to reduce their attraction. Also, don’t hesitate to remove any fallen fruits from surrounding trees, as these may lure them in too.
DIY is not advised for removal. Call in experts, let them handle the job.
https://atticmech.com/