European Hornets

European Hornets – The European Hornet is almost 1 1/2\” long. It is brown with dull reddish stripes.

The nests are typically located in a cavity, such as a hollow tree or wall void. They will rarely appear freely suspended like the football-shaped bald-faced hornet nests. The entrance toEuropean hornets\’ nests are frequently 2 meters (6 feet) or more above ground. In some instances, a portion of the gray, papery nest extends outside the cavity or void. the European hornet is the only true hornet in North America and is large and will aggressively defend their nests.

It is not unusual for workers to bounce off of external lights or house windowpanes during summer nights. Although the workers will sting if handled, they are not normally aggressive unless the colony is threatened.