European Hornet

Natural Habitat

Woodlands, gardens, and shrublands; commonly nests in hollow trees, wall voids, and attics.

Diet & Feeding

Adults feed on sugary substances like fruit and tree sap; larvae are fed protein from hunted insects like flies, bees, and moths.

Behavior Patterns

Eusocial insects with a queen and workers. Unlike most wasps, they are active both day and night and are often attracted to artificial lights at night.

Risks & Benefits

Benefits include biological pest control of other insects. Risks include painful stings if the nest is threatened; while generally less aggressive than yellowjackets, their size makes stings significant for those with allergies.

Identified on: 4/18/2026