European Hornet
Very large, brown with yellow, active at night
Individual
Swarm
Nest / Hive
Wing / Body Pattern
What It Is
The European hornet (Vespa crabro) is the only true hornet (genus Vespa) established in North America, introduced from Europe. It is primarily a species of the eastern and southeastern United States, including the Nashville area. In the Los Angeles and Orange County area, European hornets are uncommon to rare. Size: 1 to 1.4 inches, the largest stinging insect most North American homeowners encounter.
How to Identify
Color: brown with yellow banding and some reddish-orange coloration, especially on the head and thorax. Distinctly larger than yellowjackets. Smooth wasp body. Nocturnal activity is a behavioral identifier: European hornets fly at night and are attracted to outdoor lights. If you see large wasp-like insects at your porch light after dark, European hornet is a possible candidate. Nest: enclosed paper nests in hollow trees, wall voids, attics, or other cavities.
Behavior and Risk
European hornets defend their nests. They can sting multiple times. Venom causes pain and swelling. Allergic reactions possible. Nocturnal foraging is typically low risk; workers hunt moths and other insects near lights and are not targeting people.
How to Handle
If you discover a nest in a wall void, attic, or tree cavity, do not disturb it. Contact a pest control company. Reducing outdoor lighting during warm months may reduce nighttime forager activity near the home.
European hornets are much larger than yellowjackets and have brown/yellow coloring rather than the stark yellow-black of a yellowjacket. They are also active at night, which yellowjackets are not.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are European hornets common in Southern California?
No. European hornets are primarily an eastern US species. They are uncommon in Southern California. If you are in Los Angeles or Orange County and believe you have European hornets, send us a photo. It is more likely a large yellowjacket or bald-faced hornet.
Why are European hornets active at night?
European hornets are unusual among stinging wasps in that they forage after dark, attracted to light sources where they hunt moths and other insects. This nocturnal behavior is not aggressive toward humans.
Are European hornets the same as murder hornets?
No. Murder hornet refers to the Asian giant hornet (Vespa mandarinia), a different species. European hornets are much smaller than Asian giant hornets and are an established part of North American ecosystems in the eastern US.
Does Beecasso remove European hornets?
European hornets are wasps. Contact a licensed pest control company for nest treatment.
Is a European hornet the same as a yellowjacket?
No. European hornets are much larger (1 to 1.4 inches vs. 1/2 inch for yellowjackets) and have brown/yellow coloring rather than stark yellow-black. They are also active at night, which yellowjackets are not.