Similar but larger than the common wasp (up to 1.5″ for a Queen), Vespa Crabro tends to be more orange and chestnut in colour as opposed to the wasps’ yellow and black. The nest is similar in construction to the wasp, but may be larger and is sometimes built outside, often slung under the branch of a tree.

They are largely carnivorous and are excellent aerial hunters taking their prey on the wing. They can cause massive damage to a honey bee colony once they locate it; no wonder beekeepers loathe them.

The sting of the European hornet is extremely painful, so be warned. DO NOT TAKE THEM ON. Call in a professional.

A lot of concern is being shown about Vespa Velutina or Asian hornet.  As yet, we have had very few confirmed sightings of this pest in the UK, although they are quite common now in parts of France and the Channel Islands.

They are marginally smaller than the European hornet.  They are black or dull brown in colour with a yellow or orange band around the abdomen and yellow tips to the legs.  If Asian hornets are positively identified, they must be reported to alertnonnative@ceh.ac.uk.  A professional pest technician can make this identification.  As with European hornets, and common wasps, please do not attempt to destroy them yourself.