Need pest help? Save $50 on your first recurring service today with code GET50

What Do Hornets Eat?

Hornet Illustration

Hornet

Wasp vs. Hornet Diet

There is only one species of hornet in North America, the European hornet. People often confuse several species of wasps, such as yellow jackets and bald-faced hornets, with true hornets. Diet is one way to discern between these stinging insects.

What Do Hornets Eat in Yards?

The European hornet diet consists of crickets, grasshoppers, caterpillars, wasps, and similar pests in backyards. Most wasps feed on live prey as well. The main difference is that the hornet diet doesn’t include scavenging behavior to the level that a yellow jacket might display.

On occasion, hornets eat fallen fruit or strip the bark from trees to drink sap, but they bother picnics and human food less often than other pests. Buzzing, stinging insects hovering over sugary drinks or meat are more likely to be yellow jackets than hornets.

Other Behaviors

Although wood is not part of the wasp or hornet diet, both pests use finely chewed wood cellulose and saliva to create their nests. In general, hornets build nests aboveground and wasps live underground, though there are numerous exceptions to this generality. Nests are difficult to control since either hornets or wasps can become hostile if disturbed.

Controlling Hornets

Knowing what hornets eat is useful for control. Treating for prey insects can make yards less attractive to these stinging pests, though it may be tough to remove all food sources in the hornet diet. Homeowners who discover a hornet or wasp nest can contact Orkin for safe and efficient removal.

Bald-Faced Hornets

Hornet Nets

Giant Hornets

Bees vs. Hornets

Resources

Dig Deeper on Hornets

Bees vs Hornets: Identification & Differences

What Do Hornets Eat?

Hornet Nests

European Hornets

European hornet illustration

How To Identify & Get Rid of Northern Giant Hornets

Image coming soon

List of Insects that Sting | Types of Stinging Bugs

Giant Hornets

Giant hornet illustration

Bald-Faced Hornets

Bald-faced hornet illustration

Do Hornets Sting? | Stinging Pests

Hornets Exterminator - How To Identify & Get Rid Of Hornets

Hornet illustration

Connect with Us

Our customer care team is available for you 24 hours a day.

877-819-5061

Find a Branch

Our local Pros are the pest experts in your area.

Get a Personalized Quote

We will help you find the right treatment plan for your home.

THE BEST IN PESTS.™

SERVICES

Pest ControlTermite ControlPrevent and Protect

PEST LIBRARY

Browse All Pests

© 2024 Orkin LLC

Terms of UsePrivacyAccessibility StatementCareers

Your Branch  

Call Now