European Hornet vs Cicada Killer

Side-by-side comparison

Key differences

• Size: Cicada Killers are larger, reaching 50 mm, while European hornets top out around 35 mm.
• Color: European Hornets are brown and yellow; cicada killers are black, yellow and red.
• Risk: the European hornet can cause medically significant bites, stings or disease, while the cicada killer is a nuisance pest but not a health threat to most people.
• Where found: look for European hornets on trees and shrubs and in yards and on patios; cicada killers turn up in lawns and grass and in yards and on patios.
• Signature feature: European Hornets: large wasp with a reddish-brown head and thorax. Cicada Killers: very large wasp up to two inches long.

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

See the European hornet profile

How to identify cicada killers

One of the largest wasps in North America, with a black-and-yellow abdomen and amber wings. Females dig burrows in sandy lawns and stock them with paralyzed cicadas.

• Very large wasp up to two inches long
• Rusty-red thorax and amber-tinted wings
• Burrows with U-shaped soil mounds in bare, sandy spots

See the cicada killer profile

Which one is more dangerous?

The European hornet carries more risk. European hornet stings are very painful, and colonies defend their nest, though workers are less aggressive away from it.

European hornet stings are very painful, and colonies defend their nest, though workers are less aggressive away from it. Despite their size, cicada killers are docile; males can't sting and females rarely do.

Where and when you'll see each

European Hornets turn up on trees and shrubs and in yards and on patios, mostly in summer and fall. Cicada Killers turn up in lawns and grass and in yards and on patios, mostly in summer.

Because they share habitat, you may find both in the same place, so check each individual.

What to do if you find one

European Hornets: Keep porch lights off or use yellow bulbs near hornet activity. Read the full removal guide for more.

Cicada Killers: Thicken lawn turf so there is less bare soil for burrows. Read the full removal guide for more.

Biology: 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.

Frequently asked questions