European hornets (Vespa crabro) are social wasps that can measure between 3/4 to 1 3/8 inches in length. These hornets, with their distinctive brown and yellow-striped abdomens, are native to Europe and Asia but have become established in the eastern United States since their introduction in the 1840s.
As colony builders, European hornets are often found constructing their fragile, paper nests in concealed locations, such as hollow trees and building structures. Understanding how far these hornets travel away from their nest is crucial, as this information can help people take appropriate precautions when encountering these wasps and managing any potential risks.
European Hornets: An Overview
Life Cycle and Habits
European hornets are social wasps known for their large size, ranging from 3/4 to 1 3/8 inches long1. These hornets hold various life stages, including egg, larva, pupa, and adult2.
- Queens: Fertilized females that establish new colonies and lay eggs
- Workers: Infertile females that defend the nest, care for the young, and forage for food
- Males: Reproduce with new queens
During fall, the fertilized queens overwinter in protected areas, while the rest of the colony dies off3. A new colony emerges every year.
Nest Characteristics
European hornets build fragile, tan paper nests in concealed locations4. Some examples of nest locations include:
- Hollow trees
- Barns, outbuildings
- Hollow walls of houses
- Attics
- Abandoned bee hives
Nests in the southern US can reach up to 2-3 feet in length5. However, in colder areas like Virginia, most nests are smaller. Here’s a comparison of nest sizes:
| Region | Nest Length | Diameter | Worker Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southern US | 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 m) | 20 inches | 800-1000 |
| Virginia | Smaller sizes | Not specified | Fewer than 800-1000 |
Note that nests are annual and die out with winter temperatures6.
Nest Range and Travel Distance
Factors Affecting Travel Distance
European hornets typically build their nests in concealed locations like hollow trees, barns, outbuildings, hollow walls of houses, and attics1. The distance they travel away from their nests can be influenced by various factors such as:
- Food availability: Hornets may travel further when food is scarce to find prey like insects or other food sources2.
- Nest location: If their nest is located in a densely populated area with abundant food sources, they may not need to fly far to find food3.
Implications for Human and Wildlife Interactions
The travel distance and nesting habits of European hornets have implications for both humans and local wildlife. To name a few:
- Stinging incidents: While the hornets are not typically aggressive, they are more likely to sting if their nest is disturbed or threatened4.
- Impacts on local wildlife: European hornets feed on several insects, including pests like flies and caterpillars, providing a natural form of pest control. However, they may also prey on beneficial insects like bees5.
| Factor | Impact on Humans | Impact on Wildlife |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Distance | Risk of stinging | Pest control |
| Nest Location & Concealment | Stinging hazard | – |
To reduce the likelihood of European hornet encounters and negative impacts, it is essential to be aware of their nesting habits and avoid disturbing their nests6. If a nest is discovered near human activity, hiring a pest control professional to remove the nest is recommended7.
Preventing and Handling Infestations
Common Signs of Infestation
European hornets build fragile, tan paper nests in concealed places like hollow trees, barns, outbuildings, hollow walls of houses, attics, and abandoned bee hives1. Signs of infestation include:
- Observing hornets buzzing around or entering/exiting a small hole in your home or property
- Hearing a buzzing or humming sound coming from within walls or other hidden spaces
- Finding their distinctive tan paper nests
Safe Removal and Control Methods
If a nest is in a structure or near human activity, it’s best to hire a pest control professional with expertise in killing and removing European hornet nests2. However, some DIY methods can be attempted if the situation is not severe:
- Apply insecticide dust or spray in the entrance of the nest at night, when hornets are less active
- Seal up cracks and holes in your home to prevent future infestations
Pros and Cons of DIY Removal:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Cost-saving | Potential risk of stings and allergic reactions |
| Immediate action | Less effective than professional removal |
| Temporary solution | May not get rid of the entire nest |
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Footnotes
18 Comments. Leave new
Evil creatures in France. HUGE! Then the Asian hornet made it to France and they were even bigger and more ornery.
Yes they sting. I am allergic too. Best to let someone not allergic remove it.
I am allergic too Mila – let someone else remove it that is not allergic.
I was photographing bees yesterday when I came across these. I believe them to be European hornets, Are they dangerous to the British Bees?
Hornets will feed insects like caterpillars to their larvae, but we don’t believe they will prey upon Bees.
I find these exact wasps on my bedroom floor!!! Three times in the last month! they come in and die or are about to die. Why is this?
We don’t know why Giant Hornets are entering your home. Perhaps they hibernated and could not find a way out.
There’s one banging its head into my glass door right now! It really wants in.
Alexandria, VA
According to BugGuide: “Adults come to lights.” That could be a factor.
There’s one banging its head into my glass door right now! It really wants in.
Alexandria, VA
Oh God…sell your house!
I read they can get inside your homes interior walls and if a queen is present, a nest is built and away they go. Can be very dangerous. Come out at night looking for food so they don’t have to complete with others still in the hive (usually in a tree, but almost always a test). I was shocked when I first saw the size of one two weeks ago in my Maryland backyard.
We live in Southwest Virginia and for the past 2 years we have had giant hornets in the back yard.These bore into the ground and seem to be just one to a hole.We mow over them and they don’t seem to mind and have never tried to sting.
If they are nesting in the ground, we suspect you have Cicada Killers.
Yesterday morning about 530I went outside And my motion detector like kicked on beside my door Within just a few moments I was being attacked by these giant hornets 1 stoned me and Within just a few moments I was being attacked by these giant hornets 1 stunned me and I mean I have never had a sting that bad They must be attracted to my light so Turned it off I sprayed and killed several but cannot find the nest any suggestions on how to find the ass be great thank you very much
Wow I would still be shaking like I just got my butt handed to me by a bunch of thugs after my wallet. Glad you are okay. Im a fairly burly guy with a very childlike phobia for large stinging insects.
Being from Florida and mortally afraid of OUR large red, yellow and black wasps there and after witnessing my father who was a lineman for FPL back in the 70s and 80 go to the hospital with anaphylaxis due to multiple stings from these nightmarish creatures, Ive developed fear as well as a respect for these insects. I dont go anywhere they are and I do not attempt to kill them as I just find it cruel as hell.They deserve a pursuit of life also after all. Fast forward to today here in WV, I have recently witnessed a fast flying, very large black and almost fluorescent green striped hornet upon which I shuddered then ran into the house feeling nauseous. That sound of the wings beating and seeing it fly from one end of yard to the other within a couple seconds raised this tough guy’s phobia level to stratospheric highs. Keep in mind, never been stung by anything but tiny hornets and a bee twice. I thought FL had scary wasps but, this large hornet had me shaking and running and feeling as if an attack was underway hours afterwards. If one of these were to fly into my car with windows down, I dont care if Im going down the highway doing 80, I am parting ways with that big SOB’s new home…later! Pretty sure I have a major phobia at this point you think?
Are you sure what you saw was a hornet or wasp? Daniel is currently in Ohio and the Dog Day Harvestflies or Annual Cicadas are extremely numerous right now. Annual Cicadas are the size you indicate and they are black and green.