Hornets
Identification
Hornets have a reddish-brown head with yellow-orange markings on their thorax, while their abdomen is black with yellow stripes.
Hornet size range from 25 mm to 35 mm in length.
Their bodies have three main parts: the head, thorax, and abdomen. The head contains two compound eyes that provide a 360-degree view of its surroundings and three simple eyes that help with navigation. The thorax is behind the head and houses the hornet’s powerful wings and six legs.
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Appearance: What do Hornets look like?
Hornets are a type of social wasp that belong to the genus Vespa. Hornets are larger than most other types of wasps and have a distinctive black and yellow striped pattern on their abdomen.
In general, hornets can range from 1-2 inches long depending on the species. Their bodies are more robust than other wasps, giving them a more intimidating appearance. Hornets also have large wings relative to their body size, which allows them to fly at high speeds.
One characteristic feature that sets hornets apart from other stinging insects is their distinct head shape. Hornets typically have large heads with powerful mandibles (jaws) that they use for hunting prey and defending their nests. While hornets may look intimidating, it is important to remember that they play an important role in controlling pest populations and should be treated with respect and caution when encountered in the wild or around your home.
Protect your environment from stinging insects with our guide to hornet and Wasps control, ensuring a safer and more pleasant environment.
Habitat, Diet, and Life Cycle
Hornets are social insects forming large colonies, with the queen being the activity center. They can be found in various habitats, including forests, meadows, and even urban areas. Hornets build their nests above ground on trees, bushes or sometimes on buildings. The nest is made of paper-like material created from wood fibres mixed with saliva and other secretions from the hornet’s mouth.
A hornet’s diet consists mainly of insects like flies, caterpillars, spiders and bees, but they have also been known to feed on tree sap. Hornets use their strong mandibles to chew up their prey before swallowing it whole. They also have a craving for sweet substances, such as fruits and nectar, which they collect using their long tongues.
Hornets go through a complete metamorphosis cycle that includes four stages: egg, larva, pupa and adult. After mating during late summer or early autumn, fertilized females overwinter until the following spring, when they emerge to start new colonies. Some colonies may survive year-round in warmer regions with milder winters, with only the queen hibernating during winter months. As soon as the queen emerges from hibernation in the springtime, she will start building her nest, where she will begin laying eggs which then hatch into larvae, marking a new colony cycle.
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The Threat of Hornets to Humans
Hornets are a type of flying insect that belongs to the family Vespidae. They are larger than other wasps and bees. Hornets are known for their aggressive behavior and painful stings, making them a significant threat to humans.
Hornets use their stingers as a defense mechanism when they feel threatened or disturbed. Their venom contains chemicals that can cause pain, swelling, itching, and redness at the sting site. In severe cases, hornet stings can result in anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening allergic reaction.
Hornets also pose a danger when they build their nests near human dwellings or public areas. If disturbed or provoked, hornets may attack on masse and inflict multiple stings on individuals within range. Therefore, taking precautions when dealing with hornet nests is crucial to avoid any potential harm caused by these dangerous insects.
How to remove a hornet?
When removing hornets, specific steps must be followed to ensure the best possible outcome. Here are three tips for removing hornets:
- Use a pesticide that is specifically designed for hornets. These pesticides will be more effective and won’t harm other insects or wildlife.
- Get a hornet removal kit. This will include all the necessary tools to remove the hornets safely.
- Do your research. Make sure you are using the most effective pesticides and removal techniques possible.
There are many ways to remove a hornet’s nest without resorting to harmful pesticides. If you’re concerned about hornets in your yard, consult your local ACME Pest Solutions representative for advice on how to deal with the problem.