European Hornet? - Ask Extension
I have a home at Nantahala Lake. Earlier in the summer I spotted a large hornet (never seen before). I was able to spray it and save the body intact...
Knowledgebase
European Hornet? #717560
Asked August 25, 2020, 5:56 PM EDT
I have a home at Nantahala Lake. Earlier in the summer I spotted a large hornet (never seen before). I was able to spray it and save the body intact. Yesterday (8/24) I spotted a smaller one and also saved it intact. Two of these large hornets for the first time in one summer, strange? Should I be concerned? I have attached pics, not very good, can work on better pic if that helps. In web research the nearest i can determine is a European Hornet.
County North Carolina
Expert Response
The larger one is definitely a European hornet. I can't see the markings on the smaller one. European hornets build their nests in cavities (like tree hollows, clusters of rocks, inside storage buildings and sometimes attics. However, they do forage for food over long distances. So, there's no way to know if this was a "scout" or there is a nest nearby.
