Hornets are actually a type of wasp, which is exactly why people struggle to tell them apart. The easiest way to separate the two comes down to size, nest style, and temperament.
The European hornet is the only true hornet species found in the U.S., and it's a larger, stockier type of wasp best known for its size and defensive nature.
Wasps cover a wide range of species, most with a slimmer body and narrower waist than hornets.
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Look out for paper-like nests forming under eaves, in trees, or tucked into wall voids, along with an increase in insect activity around your property. Hornet nests tend to be large, enclosed, and easy to spot once they've grown, while wasp nests can be open or hidden underground.
If you notice a nest forming, it's best to avoid disturbing it and contact our pest technicians for a proper inspection.
There are several ways you can keep wasps at bay: Sealing gaps around eaves, vents, and siding helps stop stinging insects from finding a place to build. Keeping food and sugary drinks covered outdoors also reduces what draws them to your yard in the first place. For an active nest, avoid handling it yourself.
Not quite. Hornets are actually a type of wasp, but they're typically larger, rounder, and more territorial than other wasp species. In a nutshell: all hornets are wasps but not all wasps are hornets.
Hornets are generally considered more likely to defend their nest aggressively than many wasp species. That said, individual behavior can vary, and both should be treated with caution.
Yes, hornets tend to be more territorial than most wasp species and will defend their nest if it's disturbed.
Neither is inherently worse, but hornets tend to be more defensive of their nests than most wasp species.
A hornet nest can grow to the size of a basketball if it's left tucked away undisturbed.
Wasps can turn a quiet corner of your property into a full nest before you even notice them building.
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