Do European Hornets Sting? Are They Dangerous?
Short answer: the European hornet can cause medically significant bites, stings or disease. European hornet stings are very painful, and colonies defend their nest, though workers are less aggressive away from it.
Risk rating: Health risk
European hornet stings are very painful, and colonies defend their nest, though workers are less aggressive away from it.
Are European hornets dangerous to humans?
European hornet stings are very painful, and colonies defend their nest, though workers are less aggressive away from it.
On our four-level scale, the European hornet is rated health risk, meaning it can cause medically significant bites, stings or disease. European Hornets can sting, so it is worth handling them with care.
Are they dangerous to pets?
European Hornets can bite or sting curious pets that paw at them or try to eat them. Watch for swelling, drooling or limping, and call your veterinarian right away if your pet has trouble breathing or a large reaction.
Can they damage your home or garden?
European Hornets don't damage homes, though nests in walls or eaves are a stinging hazard.
What to do if you are stung
- Move away from the area to avoid more stings.
- If a stinger is left in the skin, scrape it out sideways with a fingernail or card.
- Wash with soap and water and apply a cold pack.
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever or antihistamine if needed, following the label.
Call 911 right away if someone has trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, dizziness or a racing heartbeat after a bite or sting.
European hornet stings are very painful, and colonies defend their nest, though workers are less aggressive away from it.
How to identify European hornets
The only true hornet established in North America, a large brown-and-yellow wasp that nests in hollow trees, barns and wall voids. It often flies at night and is attracted to lights.
- Large wasp with a reddish-brown head and thorax
- Yellow abdomen with brown bands and teardrop spots
- Active at night and drawn to porch lights
| Scientific name | Vespa crabro |
|---|---|
| Group | Bees & Wasps |
| Size | 25–35 mm (up to about 1.4 in) |
| Colors | Brown and Yellow |
| Legs | 6 legs |
| Wings | Yes |
| Where found | Trees or shrubs and Yard or patio |
| Most active | Summer and Fall |
| Bites | No |
| Stings | Yes |
| Risk level | Health risk |
When you'll see European hornets
European Hornets are most active in summer and fall. Summer heat speeds up development, so populations can grow quickly. In fall, many bugs look for shelter, and some move toward or into buildings.
Typical places to check: trees or shrubs and yard or patio.
About bees & wasps
The European hornet is one of the bees & wasps. Bees and wasps belong to the same order as ants. Social species such as honey bees, bumble bees, yellowjackets and hornets live in colonies with a queen, while solitary species such as mud daubers and cicada killers raise their young alone. Only females can sting, because the stinger is a modified egg-laying tube.
Social wasp colonies grow all summer and are largest and most defensive in late summer and early fall. Most colonies die off in winter, leaving only new queens to start over in spring.
How to avoid problems with European hornets
- Keep porch lights off or use yellow bulbs near hornet activity
- Look for nests in hollow trees, sheds and wall voids
- Have large or indoor nests removed by a professional
Frequently asked questions
Do European hornets bite?
No. European hornet stings are very painful, and colonies defend their nest, though workers are less aggressive away from it.
Do European hornets sting?
Yes, they can sting.
Are European hornets poisonous?
The European hornet can cause medically significant bites, stings or disease. European hornet stings are very painful, and colonies defend their nest, though workers are less aggressive away from it.
Where do European hornets live?
European Hornets are usually found on trees and shrubs and in yards and on patios, and are most active in summer and fall.