European hornets are not as aggressive as baldfaced hornets, but will nevertheless sting if their colony is disturbed.Īnother stinging insect commonly called a hornet are the baldfaced hornets. However, in rare situations, nests may be built in sheltered, yet somewhat exposed sites. Locations such as hollow trees and wall voids are the most common nest sites. European hornet nests are usually built in cavities above ground. The rest of the abdomen is dark yellow with brownish bands and small spots.

Its head, thorax, first abdominal segment and legs are reddish-brown. The adult European hornet is approximately 1-1.5 inches long. In the United States there is only one true hornet – the European hornet ( Vespa crabro). While various species display different degrees of aggressiveness, the same basic reasons for attacking and stinging are the instinctive desire to feed themselves or their colony members and to protect and defend their colony. Stinging insects such as bees, wasps, yellow jackets and hornets use their stings to subdue prey (primarily insects and spiders) and to defend themselves or their colony. IT IS ADVISABLE TO SEEK THE ASSISTANCE OF A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL ANYTIME SOMEONE IS STUNG.

Hornet skin