Hornets vs Wasps: What Are the Differences?
by Alex Schnee | April 3, 2025 | Blog
If you’ve noticed large flying insects around your property, you might be wondering whether you’re dealing with hornets or wasps. While both insects can sting and build nests around homes, they have distinct characteristics and behaviors. Understanding these differences is crucial for implementing appropriate control measures while ensuring your safety and the safety of your family.
What are hornets?
Hornets are a subset of wasps and are generally larger than their wasp cousins. They belong to the genus Vespa, with the European hornet being the only true hornet species in North America.
Unlike many wasps, hornets primarily prey on other insects, making them beneficial for controlling pest populations. They typically build large, enclosed paper nests in elevated locations like tree branches or under eaves.
While they can defend their nests aggressively, hornets are generally less aggressive than other wasps when away from their colony.
What are wasps?
Wasps are predatory insects belonging to the order Hymenoptera. Common species include paper wasps, yellowjackets, and mud daubers. Most wasps are social insects living in colonies, though some species are solitary. They’re generally more aggressive than hornets, particularly when defending their nests.
Wasps play important roles in ecosystems as predators of other insects and as pollinators. Their nests are typically made from wood fiber that they chew into a paper-like material.
What do hornets look like?
Hornets are the largest of the social wasps, typically measuring 1-1.5 inches in length. They have broad, robust bodies with a distinctive coloration that often includes reddish-brown and yellow stripes, rather than the black and yellow of typical wasps. Their heads are wider and more V-shaped than other wasps, and they have large, powerful mandibles. Like other wasps, they have two pairs of wings and six legs. Their bodies are relatively smooth with minimal hair.
What do wasps look like?
Wasps have slender bodies with a distinctive narrow waist between their thorax and abdomen. Most common species are black and yellow, though some may be brown or reddish. They’re generally smaller than hornets, typically measuring 1/2 to 1 inch in length.
They have smooth, shiny bodies with little to no hair, and their wings are clear and fold lengthwise when at rest. Their legs often hang down during flight, and they have powerful mandibles for hunting prey.
What are some main differences between hornets and wasps?
Several key characteristics distinguish hornets from wasps. Hornets are generally larger and more robust, with broader bodies and wider heads. Their coloring tends toward reddish-brown and yellow, while wasps are typically black and yellow.
Nesting habits differ—hornets usually build large, enclosed nests high up in trees or buildings, while wasps may nest closer to the ground or in more exposed locations. Behaviorally, hornets tend to be less aggressive than wasps when away from their nests and are more focused on hunting other insects rather than scavenging.
What are more dangerous: hornets or wasps?
Both hornets and wasps can pose significant risks, but their threat levels differ. Hornets, while capable of delivering painful stings, are generally less aggressive than wasps when away from their nests. However, their larger size means their stings can be more painful, and they inject more venom per sting. They’re also more likely to pursue perceived threats for longer distances.
Wasps, particularly yellowjackets, tend to be more aggressive and are more likely to sting with minimal provocation. They’re also more commonly encountered around human activities, as they’re attracted to food and drinks.
Both insects can sting multiple times, and both can trigger severe allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. However, wasps’ more aggressive nature and tendency to appear at outdoor gatherings makes them a more frequent threat.
Lifecycle of a hornet
Hornet colonies begin in spring when queens emerge from hibernation. The queen selects a nesting site and builds the initial nest cells, laying eggs that will become worker hornets. These workers then take over nest building and foraging while the queen focuses on egg laying.
The colony grows throughout summer, reaching peak population in late summer or early fall. At this time, the colony produces new queens and males. After mating, new queens find shelter for winter hibernation, while the rest of the colony dies off.
Lifecycle of a wasp
Wasp colonies follow a similar annual cycle. Queens emerge from hibernation in spring and start small nests, laying eggs that develop into worker wasps. These workers expand the nest and care for subsequent eggs while the queen continues laying.
Summer is when the colony grows, with workers hunting insects and scavenging for food. In late summer, the colony produces new queens and males. After mating, new queens seek winter shelter, while the old colony, including workers and the old queen, dies off.
How to know if you have a hornet infestation
Signs of a hornet infestation often start with frequent sightings of these large insects around your property. Look for their distinctive large, enclosed paper nests, which are typically gray or brown and can be the size of a basketball. These nests are usually located in elevated positions like tree branches, under eaves, or in attic spaces.
You might notice hornets flying in consistent patterns, indicating they’re returning to a nest. Activity is typically highest during daylight hours when workers are foraging. During late summer, you might see increased activity as colonies reach their peak size. Check for entrance holes to nests, which hornets use consistently for coming and going.
How to know if you have a wasp infestation
Wasp infestations show different signs than hornet problems. Look for paper-like nests in sheltered areas, which may be exposed and umbrella-shaped (paper wasps) or enclosed in cavities (yellowjackets). You might notice wasps entering and exiting from holes in walls, ground, or other hidden areas.
Wasps are often spotted around outdoor eating areas or garbage bins, since they’re attracted to human food. Their nests can be found under eaves, in wall voids, or attached to tree branches. Increased wasp activity, particularly around your home’s entry points, can signal an established colony. You might also notice them gathering materials for nest building, such as scraping wood from fences or decks.
Do you get rid of hornets and wasps the same way?
While hornets and wasps require similar control approaches, their different nesting habits and behaviors necessitate specific treatment strategies. Hornet nests typically require specialized removal techniques due to their size and location, while wasp control might involve treating multiple, smaller nests.
For both insects, professional pest control services offer the safest and most effective solutions, as attempting DIY removal can be dangerous due to their aggressive defense of nests.
How to prevent a hornet infestation
Preventing hornet infestations starts with making your property less attractive for nest building. Seal potential entry points around your home, including gaps in siding, eaves, and utility entries. Remove potential food sources by keeping outdoor eating areas clean and garbage bins sealed. Consider using preventive treatments around common nesting areas in early spring before queens establish nests.
Regular inspection of your property’s exterior can help catch new nests early when they’re easier to address. Pay particular attention to sheltered areas like eaves, porches, and mature trees where hornets commonly build nests. Keep trees and shrubs trimmed back from your house to reduce attractive nesting sites.
How to prevent a wasp infestation
Preventing wasp infestations focuses on eliminating attractive nesting sites and food sources. Seal gaps and cracks in buildings where wasps might build nests. Keep garbage containers tightly sealed and clean up food spills promptly, especially in outdoor eating areas. Remove fallen fruit from trees and keep pet food indoors.
Maintain your yard by keeping grass cut short and removing piles of wood or debris where wasps might nest. Consider installing wasp-deterrent devices around areas where they commonly build nests. Regular monitoring of your property, especially during spring when queens are searching for nesting sites, can help prevent colonies from establishing.
When to call a professional
If you’re seeing hornets or wasps around your property, don’t wait to take action. You’ll want to contact Pest Control Experts today for your inspection and customized treatment plan! Our partner pest control professionals will identify which stinging insects you’re dealing with and implement targeted control methods to protect your home and family from these dangerous pests.
