HORNET VS WASP – DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A WASP AND HORNET

Bees, wasps, and hornets are all flying insects that can become unwelcome guests in your home. Although these creatures share some similarities, they differ in important ways, and understanding these differences can help you handle an infestation with ease. Whether you’re dealing with wasps, hornets, or both, it’s important to recognize the signs of an infestation and know how to manage it effectively.

What Are Hornets and Wasps?

Wasps are insects in the Hymenoptera order, closely related to bees. They can vary greatly in appearance depending on the species, but most have a long, slender body with a narrow waist, two pairs of wings, and a stinger. Hornets, on the other hand, are simply a larger type of wasp. They belong to the same family, Vespidae, but are typically larger, more aggressive, and have a broader head and a more rounded abdomen.

Both wasps and hornets are social insects, meaning they live in colonies led by a queen, and they are essential predators of many pest insects. While wasps tend to feed on a wide variety of insects, including caterpillars and flies, hornets focus more on larger insects like crickets and grasshoppers.

Key Differences Between Wasps and Hornets

While all hornets are wasps, not all wasps are hornets. Here’s how to tell them apart:

Size and Shape:

Hornets are generally larger and more robust than other wasps. Their heads are broader, and their abdomens are more rounded. In contrast, wasps typically have a slim body and a narrower waist.

Coloration:

Hornets tend to have a more muted color scheme, often with black and white markings, while wasps usually sport the familiar black and yellow stripes.

Nests:

The nests of hornets are larger and tend to be more enclosed, often built in trees or shrubs. Wasps, however, construct smaller, more exposed nests, which are frequently found under eaves or in attics. A hornet nest is teardrop-shaped and made of a paper-like substance, while a wasp nest is usually spherical and lighter in color.

Aggression:

While both hornets and wasps can become aggressive when threatened, hornets are known to be more territorial and will sting repeatedly if they feel their nest is in danger. Wasps, on the other hand, may sting less frequently but can be equally dangerous if disturbed.

The Life Cycle of Wasps and Hornets

Both wasps and hornets follow a similar reproductive cycle:

• Queen: In the spring, a fertilized queen begins constructing a nest and laying eggs. The first batch of eggs hatches into worker wasps or hornets, which take over the task of expanding the nest.
• Workers: Worker wasps and hornets are responsible for gathering food and defending the nest.
• Drones: The male drones are produced later in the season and serve the purpose of mating with new queens.

The queen can live for up to five years, while the worker wasps and hornets live for several months. As the season progresses into autumn, the colony’s size increases, and hornet nests can reach basketball-sized proportions before the frost kills most of the colony.

Where Do Wasps and Hornets Live?

Wasps and hornets prefer to build their nests in secluded, protected areas close to food sources. Common nesting sites include attics, ceilings, verandas, walls, trees, and shrubs. Wasps may create nests in cavities, while hornets tend to build their nests in tree branches or shrubs.

If you’re tired of dealing with wasps and want to get rid of them, you can contact ASA Pest Control for professional Wasp Control Services to ensure a safe and peaceful environment.

What Do Wasps and Hornets Eat?

• Bees primarily feed on nectar and pollen, helping with pollination.
• Wasps are scavengers and feed on a variety of insects, as well as sugary foods and decaying fruit.
• Hornets are similar, but they tend to prey on other insects rather than feeding on plant-based material. Hornets will also feed on sugar-rich substances and fruit, especially in the autumn.

How to Know If You Have a Wasps or Hornet Problem

The first sign of an infestation is often the presence of multiple wasps or hornets flying around your property. If these insects are actively hunting for food or defending their nest, it could indicate a nearby colony. Hornet nests are usually larger and more noticeable, whereas wasp nests tend to be smaller and may go unnoticed until the population grows significantly.

How to Prevent Wasps and Hornets from Invading Your Home

Wasps and hornets are attracted to sweet foods and decaying organic material. To reduce the risk of an infestation:

• Seal any cracks or gaps around windows, doors, and walls.
• Keep food and drinks covered when eating outdoors, especially sugary items.
• Regularly inspect your home for any nests or signs of pest activity.
• Eliminate any food sources that might attract wasps or hornets, such as fallen fruit or unsealed garbage.

If you find a nest, it’s important to address the issue immediately to avoid getting stung. Attempting to handle the problem yourself can be dangerous, particularly if you have an allergy to insect stings.

Why Choose ASA Pest Control for Hornet and Wasp Removal?

At ASA Pest Control, we specialize in the safe and effective removal of wasps, hornets, and other pests from your home or business, especially in Saskatoon. With over 10 years of experience, we offer expert pest control services tailored to your needs. Our team uses proven methods to locate, eliminate, and prevent the return of these aggressive insects, ensuring that your property remains safe and comfortable.

If you suspect you have a wasp or hornet problem, don’t hesitate to call us. We’ll provide a thorough inspection and offer you a customized solution to eliminate the threat—quickly and efficiently.

Final Thoughts

While wasps and hornets can be beneficial to the ecosystem, they can also pose a significant threat when they invade our homes. Understanding the differences between these insects and knowing how to handle an infestation can make all the difference. For fast, professional wasp and hornet control, trust ASA Pest Control Saskatoon to get the job done right.

FAQs

What is the difference between a wasp and a hornet?

Hornets are a larger species of wasp. They are typically more aggressive, have broader heads, and rounder abdomens. Wasps, in general, are smaller, with a narrow waist and are usually more active in the summer months.

What are the different types of wasps and hornets?

Wasps can be classified into social and solitary types. Social wasps, like yellow jackets and paper wasps, live in large colonies, while solitary wasps hunt alone. Hornets are a type of social wasp, known for their larger size and aggressive nature. Common hornet species include the European hornet and bald-faced hornet.

How can I tell the difference between a wasp nest and a hornet nest?

A wasp nest is usually small, round, and hangs in exposed places like under eaves. Hornet nests are much larger, teardrop-shaped, and can be fully enclosed, typically built in tree branches or shrubs.

What do wasps eat?

Wasps are scavengers and primarily eat other insects, like caterpillars and flies. They also enjoy sugary foods, including fruit and nectar, especially during autumn when food is scarcer.

Do wasps die after they sting?

No, wasps do not die after stinging. Unlike bees, which lose their stinger after stinging, wasps can sting multiple times without dying.

How long do wasps live?

The lifespan of a wasp depends on its role. Worker wasps live between 1-4 months, while queens can survive up to 5 years. Male drones typically live for 40-50 days.

Do wasps make honey?

No, wasps do not make honey. Honey is made by bees, which collect nectar from flowers and store it in their hives. Wasps may feed on nectar but do not produce honey.

What is a black and white wasp?

A black and white wasp is typically a hornet, especially species like the bald-faced hornet, which has white markings on its face and body.

What is the difference between bees, wasps, and hornets?

Bees are fuzzy, with a rounder body and are primarily pollinators, whereas wasps and hornets have smooth, hairless bodies. Wasps and hornets are more aggressive and help control pest populations by preying on insects.

What types of hornets exist?

The most common types of hornets include the European hornet (the largest species), bald-faced hornets (which are black and white), and Asian giant hornets, known for their size and aggressiveness.

Are there different kinds of wasps?

Yes, there are many types of wasps. Some notable types include yellow jackets, which are highly aggressive and often nest underground, paper wasps, which build open, umbrella-like nests, and mud daubers, which build solitary nests from mud.

What are bigger bees?

“Bigger bees” typically refer to bumblebees, which are larger than honeybees and have a more robust body. Unlike wasps, bumblebees are fuzzy and are important for pollination.