Hornet vs Wasp
Hornets and wasps are two of the most often confused insects. They share some similarities but have distinct characteristics that sets them apart. Being able to recognize them is important for everyone. Both are valuable members of the ecosystem and can have a negative impact on honey bee colonies. A better understanding of each helps beekeepers and homeowners protect themselves and their hives.
Being a beekeeper myself, I strive to be well informed on honey bee predators. Despite their important role in the ecosystem, both hornets and wasps are strong insect predators – including honey bees.
Understanding Hornets & Wasps
Before we can really compare these two insects families, it is important to define exactly what they are. For some of us, it is only important to know that both hornets and wasps have painful stings and deserve some “elbow room”. However, a bit of the “science stuff” is necessary to get the full picture.
What are Hornets?
Interestingly, hornets are actually a type of wasp- but they have some specific characteristics that set them apart! They belong to the scientific genus “Vespa” and are large, robust insects.
They can be a variety of color patterns in the hornet family. However, black and white or yellow and brown markings are most common.
Hornets are social insects that live in large colonies numbering into the thousands. They construct large grey nests in sheltered locations (attics) or high in the trees. I often see hornet nests high in the tree tops after the leaves have fallen in early Winter.
Their diet consists of other insects. Yes, hornets eat honey bees. And, due to their large size – they can eat a lot of them. This is why having too many nests near your apiary can be trouble.
(Interesting fact: The insect I have called a “bald-faced hornet” is really a large wasp -isn’t that confusing)
What are Wasps?
Wasps belong to the scientific order “Hymenoptera” a group that includes bees and ants!
Despite the notable differences between bees and wasps, it’s intriguing that they share this classification.
There are thousands of species of wasps. Some are solitary insects that nest alone and others co-exist in large social families. I am sure you have seen the nests of social wasps like yellow jackets and paper wasps.
Wasp build nests of chewed wood pulp – often under the eves of houses- the yellow jacket wasp tends to nest underground.
With a sleek, slender appearance, the coloring of wasps can be bright yellow or a more muted brown. Because of their size and markings yellow jacket wasps and honey bees are often confused.
The diet of wasps varies depending on the species but most are insect predators. This makes them valuable for controlling crop pests – but they can be a problem for beekeepers.
Similarities Between Hornets & Wasps
Both insects belong to the family “Vespidae“, a large group of stinging insects that exhibit similar behaviors and physical traits.
Let’s begin with the similarities that they share and this will help explain why they are indeed so closely related.
Physical Attributes
Hornets and wasps have a very similar body structure. They both belong to the scientific order Hymenoptera and have long, sleek bodies with a distinct waist-or joining section.
Their coloring features a combination of yellow, black, or brown and is nature’s way of serving as a warning. Both, hornets and wasps sting for hunting and defense – injecting venom into prey, or predators or you.
Behavior and Diet
Living in social colonies, headed by a queen – the families of both wasps and hornets consist mainly of sterile female workers. These workers are responsible for all nest care chores including hunting for food.
They have similar diets, feeding on other insects: caterpillars, flies, and more. Yes, both wasps and hornets eat honey bees too.
I am sure you have seen wasps feeding on sugary drinks or ripe fruit juices – especially during late Summer when food sources are winding down. However, they are primarily meat eaters.
Similar Nesting Preferences
The nest material of hornets and wasps look very similar. They are made using chewed wood fibers mixed with saliva that creates a papery material. The nest may be quite small of very large depending on the species in question.
Each Spring, queens that have been in hibernation – emerge, select a nest location and start the colony anew. As the population grows – workers take over nest management.
Hornets and wasps defend their nest sites aggressively – you should stay far away. Thankfully, the seasonal nest will only last until the end of Summer or the arrival of cold temperatures.
Key Differences
When they are buzzing by your head “at warp speed”, you may not appreciate the differences between hornets and wasps. But, there are some important differences to be aware of.
Size & Appearance
One of the most noticeable differences between hornet and wasp is size. Hornets are larger and bulkier than most species of wasps-with queens reaching lengths of up to 2 inches.
Their exoskeleton (skin) of the hornet is not as smooth as that of wasps – it has a rougher texture. Hornets also tend to have a broader head.
While coloring is similar, in many cases, hornets have a more subdued color and it is not unusual for wasps to be quite bright and vibrant.
Aggressiveness & Stinging Behavior
Hornets tend to be more aggressive in defending their nest sites than wasps. Though both will send you on your way quickly if you get too close or disturb them.
The hornet colony is more likely to attack in numbers than wasps and due to their large size (more venom) – they can be dangerous -even for adults.
Wasps can also be bothersome. If you have ever tried to protect your can of Coca-cola from a team of yellow jacket wasps in late summer – you know that can be very persistent at a picnic.
Wasp & Hornet Nest Building
Though they use the same type of building material, there are some noticeable differences the nests of wasps and hornets.
Hornet Nest
- typically larger than wasp – football or large teardrop shape
- usually located high up in tree or other elevated locations
- hold large colony numbering into the thousands by the end of Summer
Wasp Nest
- variety of nest shapes and sizes due to wasp species – generally smaller
- open umbrella nests are common
- often found in shelter spots – under the eves of houses, sheds,
Diet & Feeding Differences
Both hornets and wasps are avid predators that eat other insects. However, their diet and hunting practices differ a bit.
Hornets are more solitary hunters than wasp colonies. It is common to see only one hornet in a foraging area. Due to their large size, hornets are formidable hunters and capable of catching larger insects – including wasps!
Wasps are insect predators but they are scavengers too and highly adaptable in their feeding habits. They are known to forage on human food and are often seen around trash cans.
Impact of Hornet and Wasps on Beehives
Having a large number of hornets or wasps living near an apiary can be a problem for beekeepers.
- predation reduces adult bee population
- wasps steal hive resources (honey)
- constant threat cause stress to bees
Both wasps and hornets hunt and catch foraging honey bees in the field. They may also hover near hive entrances, capturing bees as they enter or exit.
Both predators will also raid beehives for valuable resources, stealing honey, pollen and possibly eating bee brood.
A constant threat of predators increases stress that leads to poor bee health (just as stress harms human health).
Over a long period, this stress may make the colony more susceptible to honey bee diseases and pests. A hive that is under stress also results in honey bees that are more aggressive or defensive.
Protecting Beehives
It is not necessary or desirable to kill every wasp and hornet in your area. They have an important role to play in the balance of the ecosystem.
However, if you have them living in an area that presents a risk to humans – you may need to destroy them. And, in most cases, there is certainly no harm in reducing the number of nests near your beehives.
Management Tips
- keep strong bee colonies that can defend their hive
- monitor hive entrances for problems
- use an entrance reducer make it easier for the bees to protect themselves
- use DIY yellow jacket traps to attempt to reduce predator numbers
For ground wasps or hornets inside cavities – I have had success with a product like Sevin dust. But, be careful Sevin Dust is fatal to bees as well.
FAQs
The primary difference between these two closely related insects is size and color. Wasps tend to be smaller than hornets – which can reach up to 2″ in length. Some families of wasps also tend to be brighter in color than their hornet cousins.
Yes, wasps and hornets (who are really a type of wasp) will chase you if you come too close to their nest. Hornets will chase more aggressively and for a farther distance than most wasps.
Wasps and hornets target honey bee colonies for adult bees, honey, pollen, and brood. They will catch bees in the field, hover near the hive entrance to attack and enter the hive to steal resources.
Signs of wasp or hornet predation on honey bee colonies may include increased aggression among worker bees, noticeable declines in bee populations, and the presence of predatory insects near hive entrances.
The sting from both hornets and wasps hurts and causes pain, discomfort and possibly swelling for several hours. Hornet stings tend to be more painful due to their larger size and having more venom to inject.
Final Thoughts
We beekeepers may not like the fact that wasps and hornets hunt and eat honey bees. But, they play an important role in controlling populations of pest insects that destroy crops. If you decide that you need to reduce their population in your yard or near your hives, do so in a manner that is least likely to have a negative effect on non-target insects.