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Giant Hornet in Maryland? #868025

Asked May 11, 2024, 5:06 PM EDT

I have a large living hornet (2 inches) in my green house and a dead one from last year. Do we have any large local hornets in Maryland or is this a possible invasive? https://photos.app.goo.gl/KujmSdTbp2FuUHzv8

Prince George's County Maryland

Expert Response

We do -- our large local hornet is the European Hornet, which has been in Maryland for a long time despite being non-native. This is probably a queen, as hornets haven't had enough time yet to start a new nest (nests from last year are not re-used) and have enough workers to be readily seen, and queens are larger than their workers as well. Hornet queens are looking for future nest sites if they haven't already found one, so sealing any gaps/cracks or other access points can help keep them out of a structure before a nest is formed that may need to be dealt with later when there is more activity. If she wandered in by accident, then she's just trying to get back outside to continue her explorations.

Miri
Thank you!  That is wonderful!

On Mon, May 13, 2024 at 12:06 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied May 13, 2024, 3:30 PM EDT

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