When a yellow and black insect buzzes around you, it is hard to know whether it is a wasp or a hornet. Yet the level of danger and the way the nest is treated are not the same. Here is how to tell them apart.
Comparison table
| Common wasp | European hornet | Asian hornet | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 1–2 cm | Up to 3.5 cm | About 3 cm |
| Colours | Bright yellow and black, clear stripes | Reddish-brown head and thorax, yellow abdomen with brown bands | Almost black, a single orange band, yellow leg tips |
| Nest | Lofts, roofs, cavities, sometimes underground | Cavities: hollow trees, attics, chimneys. Entrance underneath | Round, often high in a tree. Side entrance |
| Behaviour | Drawn to sugar and meat, a nuisance in late summer | Fairly calm away from the nest, also active at night | Very defensive near the nest, hunts honeybees |
| Removal price | Identical: €109 to €199 depending on the height of the nest | ||
The wasp: small and quick
About 1–2 cm, slim body, clear yellow and black stripes. Drawn to sugar and food, it becomes a nuisance at outdoor meals, especially in late summer. Its nest is often in lofts, under roofs or in the ground.
The European hornet: bigger
Larger, up to 3.5 cm, with reddish-brown and yellow colours. Less aggressive than people think, it becomes dangerous if its nest is threatened. It is also active at night and attracted to light.
The Asian hornet: the threat
Dark body, yellow leg tips, a single orange band. A formidable predator of bees, its nest high up can hold several thousand insects. See the full guide to the Asian hornet.
Why you should never tackle a nest yourself
Whether wasps or hornets, attacking a nest without protection is dangerous: a colony that feels threatened can sting en masse. I remove nests throughout the Chamonix valley with the right equipment. See my prices.