Hornets of the genus "Vespa" are the largest and most aggressive members of the wasp family (Vespidae); the specimens belonging to the largest species reach even 5, 5 cm. Although some insects are mistakenly called "hornets", there are actually only 20 species in the world. The factor that determines their classification is not only aggression, but also the type of poison; that of some hornets, such as the venom of the giant Asian, not only generates tremendous pain, but is also potentially fatal. The best way to avoid being stung is to understand if you are really in front of a hornet by identifying its nest or by observing the actual insect.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Recognize the Nest
Step 1. Look at a gray, oval-shaped object that looks like it's made of paper
While it's not actually real paper, the substance is very similar and is a compound of bumblebee saliva and wood. The nest contains the eggs and the hornets are very protective of both. For this reason, avoid being discovered by an insect near the nest, otherwise you would be identified as a threat.
- Although, at first, the nest is a small honeycomb, over time it expands with the growth rate of the colony, becoming an oval object similar to a rugby ball, a stalactite or an inverted drop.
- This means that by recognizing the structure, you can narrow down the possible insects that have nested nearby, but you cannot yet be entirely sure which family they belong to.
- Polistes dominula wasps also build a nest that appears to be made of paper, but do not make a cover to protect the nest.
Step 2. Look for the nest outdoors, hanging from tall, sheltered structures
Hornets build their home in external areas, at a certain height from the ground such as on trees, on utility poles or on very dense shrubs. They can also nest on roof gutters or under elevated patios.
- You typically can't see the nest until autumn, when the trees lose their leaves. In this period, however, most of the insects are dead or dying and in the nest there is only the hibernating queen who will survive the winter.
- On the other hand, yellow wasps nest close to the ground, underground or inside hollow structures such as in the cavities of the house or even inside an old mattress.
- Some wasps build their homes high above the ground and are mistakenly referred to as hornets. Among these we remember the Dolichovespula Maculata, which is a real wasp, and the Abispa ephippium, a subspecies of mason wasp.
Step 3. Evaluate the number of insects
The colonies of hornets generally consist of 700 specimens. If the nest is very large and you fear it may contain thousands of insects, then it is likely yellow wasps. For this reason, check well, at a safe distance, to understand which insects it belongs to.
Regardless of the size of the nest, the only way to manage it safely is to call a professional. He will need to know its size, so the more information you can provide, the better his intervention will be
Method 2 of 2: Recognizing the Bug
Step 1. Observe the distinguishing features
A hornet, like a wasp, has a thin waist that separates the thoracic segment from the abdominal one. This peculiar physical trait is called "wasp waist" and distinguishes this family of insects from that of bees, which instead have a very wide waist between the thorax and the abdomen.
Step 2. Check the black and white coloring
Unlike bees, which are yellow-brown and black, and other wasps, which have a bright yellow and black color such as yellow and mason, most hornets are black and white.
Some species, however, such as the Vespa simillima and the European hornet, have different colors, so you must always observe the life of the insect
Step 3. Recognize the differences between the size of a wasp and a hornet
The feature that allows you to distinguish these two insects, both from near and far, is precisely the size. For example, the only true hornet that lives in Canada and the United States is the European hornet which grows to 2.5-4 cm. The maximum size for a Polistes dominula wasp or a yellow wasp is 2.5 cm and in most cases the specimens are much smaller.
Hornets, like wasps, have six legs and two pairs of wings
Step 4. Take a closer look at the physical characteristics of a hornet
Unlike other members of the wasp family, the abdominal section closest to the thorax (called propodeo) is more rounded in hornets. This is the first area to look at when you need to know if the insect in front of you is a wasp or a hornet.
Step 5. Also check the fullest part of the garment, just behind the eyes
In relation to the size of the body, this section (vertex) is wider in hornets than in other insects of the wasp family.
Step 6. Check if the wings are folded along the body
Other species of the genus Vespa fold their wings over the body when resting, while hornets do not. This is another feature that allows you to distinguish the various insects and narrow the range of possibilities.
Step 7. Check for the absence of a hooked tip on the stinger
The bee sting has a hook that gets stuck in the victim's body and causes the insect's abdomen to tear when it tries to free itself (and consequently dies). In hornets, as in all other insects that are part of the wasp family, the sting is not hooked and can be used to hit the enemy repeatedly, without the specimen dying.
While this is useful for recognizing a hornet or wasp from a bee, you should quietly walk away if the insect is close enough to see its sting
Advice
- Yellow wasps (common in North America) are not a type of bees, but wasps that make their nests in the ground.
- A single queen founds the nest and spawns worker hornets, which in turn must expand the colony. In temperate climates, worker hornets and drones die in late autumn leaving the queen alone who will survive the winter.
- Wasp nests are shaped like a honeycomb and you can see them in all places frequented by wasps, such as under building ledges, on a branch, in an outdoor light or even on the ground. They generally do not have the paper-like coating.
- In addition to feeding on other insects considered pests, some hornets also prey on bees.
- Hornets generally do not fly near flowers and do not provide for pollination. Some species, such as Dolichovespula maculata, are attracted to late flowers such as solidago.
- Unlike the yellow wasps, the hornets are not attracted, in late summer, by the sugars contained in the drinks, rather they eat mainly other insects and grasshoppers.
- The European hornet, or Vespa crabro, is the only non-aggressive hornet and typically prefers to bite humans rather than sting them, even when cornered or captured.
Warnings
- Hornets are attracted to human sweat and movement while running. If you try to escape, they will chase you and most likely release pheromones that will induce other specimens to chase you.
- If you have to kill a hornet, try to do it as far away from the nest as possible and not approach the swarm after your gesture. The danger pheromones released by the dying insect may have stuck to the skin and clothing and would attract the other insects. Wash and change your clothes.
- Since hornets are part of the wasp family, if you are allergic to wasp venom, chances are you may be allergic to hornets too. If you need to go to a place where you know for sure these insects are present, take an epinephrine (adrenaline) injector, such as the EpiPen, with you, and go to the hospital immediately after a sting.
- An allergic reaction to bee sting does not necessarily indicate that you are sensitive to wasp and hornet venom; if in doubt, undergo allergy tests before venturing into areas frequented by hornets.
- The stings are painful and dangerous due to the high percentage of acetylcholine.
- Do not go near a hornet's nest and do not annoy the insects; the best thing is to leave them alone.
- If there is a hornet near you, move away. Don't fret, don't try to chase him away, and don't hit him in any way. If the insect feels threatened, it will attack you and call its mates.
- Thanks to the communication through the pheromones, the hornets are able to sting their target en masse, ability that makes them fearsome and formidable enemies.
