Hornets and wasps are two types of insects that are often confused with one another. However, there are some key differences between hornets and wasps that can help you distinguish between them.

Introduction

Both hornets and wasps belong to the insect order Hymenoptera, which also includes bees and ants. They share some similar characteristics, such as having two pairs of wings, large compound eyes, antennae, and the ability to sting. However, hornets and wasps belong to different families.

Hornets are insects in the genus Vespa, part of the Vespidae family, which includes both hornets and yellowjackets. There are 22 recognized species of hornets found throughout Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America. Some of the most common hornet species include the European hornet, giant hornet, and bald-faced hornet.

Wasps encompass a much larger group of insects with over 30,000 identified species. They belong to multiple families, including common wasps in the family Vespidae. Other wasp families include mud dauber wasps, spider wasps, and pollen wasps. Common wasps such as yellowjackets, paper wasps, and potter wasps are often mistaken for hornets.

While hornets and some species of wasps may look alike at first glance, a closer inspection of their appearance, nests, behavior, stingers, and other traits can help set them apart. Here’s a detailed guide to the key differences and how to tell hornets and wasps apart.

Appearance

One of the most obvious ways to differentiate hornets from wasps is by carefully observing their appearance.

Size

• Hornets are significantly larger than most species of wasps. They measure 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) in length, while paper wasps, yellowjackets, and other common wasps are typically .5-1 inch (1.3-2.5 cm).
• Queen hornets may reach up to 2 inches (5 cm) long, dwarfing wasp queens.
• Some wasp species like tarantula hawks and cicada killers are comparable in size, but these are rarer species.

Color Patterns

• Hornets have more distinctive markings than wasps. They have black and white, yellow, or brown color patterns.
• Most wasp species are black and yellow, whereas hornets usually have dark brown or black bodies with sharply contrasting white, orange, or yellow markings.
• Bald-faced hornets have primarily black bodies with bold white facial markings. European hornets have yellow and brown striped abdomens.
• Wasps like yellowjackets and paper wasps have more subdued black and yellow striping without the stark contrast of hornets. Mud dauber wasps are solid black.

Legs

• Hornets have noticeably thicker legs compared to wasps. Their back pair of legs is especially robust.
• Wasp legs tend to be long and slender. Some wasp species like spider wasps have especially spindly legs for capturing prey in webs.

Antennae

• Hornets have short, thick antennae that appear stubby compared to a wasp’s longer, more threadlike antennae.

Wings

• At rest, hornet wings are shorter than their abdomen. Wasp wings are about equal in length to their abdomen.
• In flight, hornets have broader wings that are rounded at the tips compared to narrow wasp wings that are pointier at the ends.
• Hornets have dark brown or black wings while wasp wings tend to be lighter in color.

Nests

Observing the nest of an insect can provide more clues to help determine if it is a hornet or wasp.

Nest Placement

• Hornets usually build aerial nests in trees, shrubs, utility poles, houses, or other structures elevated above ground.
• Wasps construct aerial nests too, but many species build ground nests or burrows in cavities like holes in the ground, empty spaces in walls, or hollow logs.

Nest Structure

• Hornet nests are enclosed by a papery grey or brown envelope around the comb. The envelope has an upper entrance hole.
• Wasp nests are generally exposed combs without an outer envelope covering them. Some species have a small paper canopy over the top comb.
• Hornets build nests out of chewed tree bark and wood mixed with saliva. Wasps use plant fibers scraped with their mandibles.
• Hornet nests contain hexagonal-shaped cells in an orderly comb structure. Wasp combs can be orderly but are sometimes irregular.
• Hornet nests tend to be larger, up to basketball size, compared to wasp nests.

Nest Appearance

• Bald-faced hornet nests are football-shaped with a papery grey envelope and are usually attached to tree branches or buildings.
• European hornet nests are rounded, pear-shaped, and grey-brown in color.
• Paper wasps build small umbrella-shaped nests that are open at the bottom with hexagonal upward facing cells.
• Yellowjacket nests have rounded combs enclosed in a paper envelope with an entrance at the bottom of the nest.
• Mud dauber nests are tubular mud structures often found under eaves, porches, or sheltered areas.

Behavior

Hornets and wasps behave somewhat differently in their feeding habits, nest-building activities, and responses to threats.

Feeding Habits

• Hornets are predatory and feed mainly on other large insects like flies, bees, dragonflies, grasshoppers, and other pest insects.
• Many wasps are predatory but some only drink nectar or feed on fruit. Yellowjackets scavenge for meat and sweets.
• Hornets hunt prey further from the nest while wasps tend to pick prey close to the nest.

Nest Activity

• Hornets add cells to the nest continuously throughout warm months, so the nest expands greatly in size over time.
• Wasps tend to complete combs early in the year with little expansion later. Some wasp nests are even abandoned after new queens depart at the end of the season.

Defensiveness

• Hornets are less aggressive and unlikely to sting unless the nest is highly disturbed. Generally, only 1-2 guard hornets defend the nest.
• Wasps are more defensive, with multiple individuals flying out to check threats near the nest. They will actively attack and sting those close to the nest.
• Hornets generally only defend the nest while foraging wasps may sting if threatened away from the nest as well.

Stinger

The stinger of hornets and wasps also differs in some key ways. This affects the type of sting and amount of venom delivered.

Appearance

• The stinger of hornets is short, straight, and located centrally under the abdomen.
• Wasps have a longer, curved, serrated stinger tucked under the abdomen tip.

Repeated Stinging

• Hornets can repeatedly sting without dying because their stinger remains intact after stinging.
• Wasp stingers are smooth and become lodged in the victim’s skin when stinging, causing the stinging apparatus to detach from the wasp’s body and leading to its death.

Venom Load

• Larger hornet species can inject more venom with each sting, delivering about 5 times more venom than a wasp.
• Smaller hornet species sting with less venom than wasps, but hornets tend to sting repeatedly.
• Wasp venom tends to be more concentrated since it is delivered in a single sting.

Other Differences

Some additional points that separate hornets from wasps include:

• Life cycle: Hornets have an annual life cycle with only queens overwintering. Most wasps overwinter as mated adult females who build nests in spring.
• Queen emergence: New hornet queens emerge earlier than wasp queens in spring.
• Foraging range: Hornets can forage 1,000 feet or more from their nest while wasps rarely forage more than 300 feet away.
• Colony size: Hornet colonies contain 200-700 individuals on average. Wasp colonies range from 10-15 up to a few thousand workers.
• Diet: Adult hornets mostly consume other insects while adult wasps consume nectar, plant sap, fruit, and other insects. Hornets feed meat to larvae and wasps feed larvae masticated insects or nectar.
• Water usage: Hornets gather water for nest cooling while wasps do not actively collect water.

Wasp or Hornet Sting Treatment

While the stings of hornets and wasps share some similarities, there are slight differences in how to treat them. Here are some guidelines:

For mild reactions:

• Remove the stinger if present by scraping it off with a flat surface. Do not squeeze the stinger, which can inject more venom.
• Wash the wound with soap and water.
• Apply a cold pack or wrapped ice to reduce swelling and pain.
• Take over-the-counter pain medication like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin. Avoid giving aspirin to children.
• Use hydrocortisone cream, calamine lotion, or baking soda paste to ease itching.
• Keep the wound clean and dry to prevent infection.

For moderate reactions with localized swelling:

• Monitor for other symptoms besides localized swelling, like hives, dizziness, swelling of the lips or tongue, tightness in the chest, difficulty breathing. Seek emergency care if these develop.
• Take an oral antihistamine containing diphenhydramine or loratadine to relieve itching and swelling.
• Apply a baking soda and water paste or starch paste to the site.
• Soak the wound in warm water or apply a warm compress.

For severe reactions or anaphylaxis:

• Call 911 or seek emergency care immediately if symptoms are rapidly progressing or life-threatening, such as trouble breathing, throat swelling, nausea, abdominal cramps, fast heart rate, dizziness, shock.
• Use epinephrine if the person is known to have an allergy and carries an epinephrine auto injector device. Administer it immediately per instructions.
• Lie still with legs elevated.
• Remove tight clothing and constrictive jewelry.
• Do not take anything by mouth.

Key Takeaways

In summary, there are distinct differences between hornets and wasps in terms of their size, color patterns, legs, antennae, wings, nests, behavior, stingers, life cycles, and other characteristics. Hornets tend to be larger overall, have more vivid black and white markings, thicker legs and antennae, and large enclosed paper nests. Wasps are often smaller, have more subdued black and yellow markings, longer antennae and legs, and exposed combs for nests. Hornets are less aggressive, can sting repeatedly, and have greater venom volume. Being able to recognize these variations is key for proper identification and response. While the stings of both hornets and wasps should be taken seriously, being able to tell them apart aids in understanding their behavior, nest removal, and sting treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hornets vs. Wasps

Q: What are some quick ways to tell hornets and wasps apart?

A: Here are some quick ways to tell hornets and wasps apart:

• Size – hornets are larger, 1-2 inches long vs .5-1 inch for most wasps
• Color – hornets have bold black and white/yellow markings compared to wasps’ subdued black and yellow stripes
• Legs – hornets have noticeably thicker legs than wasps
• Wings – hornet wings are shorter than their abdomen, wasp wings match abdomen length
• Nests – hornets have large papery nests, wasps make exposed combs
• Behavior – hornets are less aggressive than wasps

Q: Are hornets more dangerous than wasps?

A: Hornets can deliver a more dangerous sting than wasps for a few reasons:

• Hornets can sting repeatedly while wasps lose their stinger after one sting.
• Larger hornet species inject more venom with each sting, up to 5 times the amount of venom as a wasp.
• Hornets guard the nest so only a couple may attack, but dozens of wasps from a nest can sting at once.
• People are more likely to inadvertently threaten a hornet nest since nests are often hidden. Disturbing a hidden hornet nest can provoke many stings.

However, the average wasp and hornet sting produces mild reactions. More severe reactions depend on individual allergy levels. But hornets do pose a somewhat greater danger if highly provoked due to more venom and ability to sting multiple times.

Q: Why are hornets less aggressive than wasps?

A: There are a few reasons why hornets are less aggressive than wasps:

• Hornets have less to defend. Their nest is enclosed in a protective envelope, while wasp nest combs are exposed.
• Fewer hornet guards are posted around the nest compared to wasps. Only 1-2 hornets typically defend the nest.
• Wasps rely more on aggression and stinging to deter predators from their exposed combs. Hornets can fly at and harass threats.
• Hornet colonies are smaller with fewer workers, so less hornets are available to send out to investigate and attack threats.
• Some wasps, like yellowjackets, are scavengers that frequently encounter predators near food sources. This makes them extra defensive.

Q: Can a hornet or wasp nest be safely removed DIY?

A: It is not recommended to try removing a hornet or wasp nest yourself. While both nest types can technically be removed DIY, extreme caution must be taken:

• Full protective clothing, goggles, thick gloves, and closed toe shoes should be worn.
• Wasps and hornets are most active mid-day when temperatures peak. Remove the nest very early in the morning or after dusk once activity slows.
• Use an extended-spray insecticide labeled for wasps/hornets to knock down incoming insects and kill the nest. Spray jet must reach nest openings.
• Remove and seal the nest after insect activity completely ceases. Double bag the nest remains for disposal.
• Multiple removal attempts spaced days apart may be needed to fully eliminate the colony.
• Usage of long tools like a pole-saw to cut nest branches is advisable to avoid close proximity stings.
• Exercise extreme caution on ladders when trying to reach nests in trees or on high structures.

Professional pest control is recommended for safe removal with proper treatment and equipment. Do not attempt if you have allergies.

Q: How can I prevent hornets or wasps from building nests on my property?

A: Here are some tips to discourage hornets and wasps from nesting on your property:

• Install fine mesh screens on windows, vents, and openings to buildings. This deters insects from entering and building nests indoors.
• Seal cracks, crevices, and holes where insects could enter and build nests in hollow voids. Use sealants and hardware cloth.
• Check under eaves, decks, sheds and structures for sheltering areas. Block access or trim back vegetation.
• Remove prior season nests promptly after new queens depart in fall. Avoid leaving old combs in place.
• Use exterior-grade caulk to fill crevices and gaps in walls, roof lines, windows, and siding.
• Inspect trees, bushes, and structures regularly for early nest building activity and remove nest starts immediately.
• Install yellow jacket traps with attractants away from patios and living areas to lure foragers.
• Apply residual insecticide perimeters around doors, windows, patios, and potential entry points in early spring to repel scouting queens.

Q: What should I do if I am stung multiple times by wasps or hornets?

A: If you are stung multiple times by wasps or hornets, here’s what you should do:

• Get away from the area immediately and seek shelter indoors to avoid more stings.
• Carefully remove any stingers by scraping along the skin surface to avoid squeezing more venom.
• Wash sting areas thoroughly with soap and water. Apply ice packs.
• Monitor yourself for signs of an allergic reaction like hives, trouble breathing, or swelling of the face/mouth. Seek emergency care if these develop.
• Estimate the number of stings and monitor swelling – extensive swelling indicates a moderate reaction requiring medical attention.
• Take an oral antihistamine and use sting relief sprays, gels, or creams.
• Watch for infection as sting sites heal – seek medical care if you have increased pain, swelling, redness, streaking, or fever.
• Rest and hydrate as you recover.
• Carry an epinephrine auto injector if you have known wasp or hornet venom allergies and monitor sting reactions closely.

Seek medical help right away if stung more than 15 times, stung in the neck or mouth area, have toxicity symptoms like nausea/vomiting, or have other concerning symptoms. Call 911 if you have trouble breathing, feel faint, or experience other signs of anaphylaxis.

Conclusion

Being able to distinguish a hornet from a wasp is an important safety skill. Their differing sizes, markings, nests, behavior, stingers, and other attributes provide helpful identification clues. While both can deliver painful stings, hornets tend to have more potent venom in greater amounts and will aggressively guard disturbed nests. However, taking proper precautions around nests and being prepared to treat stings can help avoid disastrous outcomes from these insects. Knowing if a stinging culprit is a hornet or wasp provides valuable insight into responding appropriately.