Hornets

General Facts

Hornets are distinguishable from other types of wasps due to their larger size, painful sting, and hostile behaviour when threatened or defending their nest. Classified according to the location of their colony, the pests fall into two genera: Vespula and Dolichovespula. Vespula hornets build their nests into the ground or a similarly concealed site, while Dolichovespula hornets are aerial and situate their nests several metres off the ground. Hornets are social insects that are ultimately beneficial, as they help control pest insects. Although they may be aggressive, they do not attack unless provoked. If a nest is located in the ground and people in close proximity have a particular sensitivity to hornet stings, then they have to be controlled.

Types of Hornets in Canada

Many species of hornets occur throughout the Canadian provinces. The most prevalent Vespula species include the European, western, and common hornets, while frequently encountered Dolichovespula species consist of the Norwegian, northern aerial, and bald-faced hornet varieties.

Appearance

Like other insects, hornets have three body sections: head, thorax, and abdomen. The head bears relatively long, 12- to 13-segmented antennae. The thorax bears two pairs of wings, with the front ones being longer than the hind ones, and is typically covered in dark-coloured hairs. Depending on the species, hornets may be coloured black and white, black and golden yellow, or even black, yellow, and reddish-brown. The different species are easily distinguishable from one another based on the yellow or white and black markings found on the abdomen.

Habitat

Generally, hornets are drawn to urban environments and other populated areas. Many species of both aerial and ground-nesting hornets build nests either on or in manmade buildings and structures. Nests are often found inside wall voids, attics, in window frames, or hanging from eaves. In nature and on lawns, the pests will set up colonies in shrubberies, below ground, in hollow trees, under bark, and in rock piles.

Diet

The diet of an adult hornet mainly consists of fruit juices, honeydew, nectar, and other sweet liquids such as soda. Hornet larvae feed on the animal carrion, pieces of prepared meat, and bits of soft-bodied insects like crickets, grasshoppers, large flies, caterpillars, and even the workers of other wasp and hornet species that adults bring back to the nest.

Life Cycle/Reproduction

Each fall, hornet colonies produce males and females that mate just before winter begins. The fertilized females are the only members of the colony that overwinter in protected locations. When the females emerge in the spring, they find suitable locations for new colonies and immediately assume the position of queen. The queen constructs a nest made up of a dozen cells; she lays and attends to the first batch of eggs. Until the first brood of workers is mature and ready to take over protection and expansion of the nest, as well as care for the young, the queen handles all responsibilities by herself. Canadian hornet species construct nests that typically end up containing an average of 100 to 400 individuals. The entire cycle repeats itself each year.

Problems Caused by Hornets

The close proximity of a hornet nest can be the cause of serious distress. The main concern for humans is the risk of a painful sting. This is especially true when an allergic individual lives or works in the vicinity of a hornet colony. If an allergic person is stung and does not receive treatment promptly, it may result in anaphylactic shock, which can be fatal. Furthermore, some hornet species damage trees and shrubs by girdling branches for nest-building materials and sap. Hornets can also be a nuisance and disruptive to outdoor recreational activities such as picnics, barbecues, and a variety of sports.

Infestation

Homes and other buildings typically offer readily available shelter, food, and water. As a result, these structures are susceptible to hornet infestations during the warmer months. Any cracks in the building foundation, broken window or door screens, and similar openings give hornets access to attics and wall voids. When occurring outdoors, hornets construct nests that hang from eaves, tree branches, inside shrubberies, or tree hollows. People living in affected areas may notice the grey, papery nests or adult hornets in transit in the early to late spring.

Prevention Tips

As hornets can travel significant distances and use flowers and other insects as food sources, preventing the pests from infesting is difficult. Before the fertilized females emerge after winter each year, homeowners should check for possible points of entry around the house. Sealing cracks with caulk and replacing ripped or broken screens is the best way to prevent a hornet infestation from occurring indoors. Additionally, pest control professionals can treat and remove nests safely.

How We Get Rid of Hornets

Bald Faced Hornet:

• The Bald Faced hornet is very aggressive and will defend their next vigorously.
• They are known to chase their victims for a long distance, stinging them repeatedly as they go.
• Nests that are built high in tree tops or well away from human traffic pose little or no threat to people.
• Nests located near human traffic, on houses or similar areas can be quite hazardous.
• They build aerial nests out in the open.

European Hornet:

• These wasps are often referred to as “gently giants” because of their gentle nature, but like the BFH, they can and will defend their nest. Their stings are VERY painful.
• Unlike the BFH, European hornets rarely build their nests in the open. Their nesting sites can be found on the side of trees, around rocks, inside hollow trees/logs and in the walls of homes.
• European hornets are beneficial because they eat flies, spiders and other wasps. They pose little threat to humans, but like other stinging insects, can pose a hazard based on their nest location.

Inspection

Inside:

• Attic areas
• Wall voids
• Pet food
• Dryer vents
• Pipes and openings leading to the inside
• Crawl spaces
• Basements and garage areas

Outside:

• Exterior of the home
• Garages
• Outbuildings
• Sheds
• Attic area, especially near soffit
• Gutters and shingles
• Trees and shrubs

Prevention & Clean-Up

• Remove any old nests.
• Keep recycling containers clean and tight.
• Seal holes where hornets may enter the structure again.
• Seal openings with caulk or expanding foam gun.
• Prior to parties, direct water sprinkler on flowers to temporarily keep hornets from yard and visiting flowering plants.

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