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

What Is The Difference Between Wasps And Hornets?

The terms hornet and wasp can be very confusing since frequently used common or colloquial names are inaccurate. So, we must first define what insects are really hornets and wasps. Scientists classify insects into various species, and in fact, the only true species of true hornet in the U.S. is the European or brown hornet. However, an insect that is actually a wasp, but almost always identified by homeowners as a hornet, is the bald-faced hornet. So, to answer this question we will define hornets as only the bald-faced hornet and the European hornet, while the wasps will be the yellow jackets and the paper wasps.

There is still another group of wasps known as the solitary wasps. This wasp group is small, solitary, not social and usually makes their nests underground. Since homeowners infrequently see them flying around and they are not a stinging threat, we will not include them in this information.

Hornets

  • Size: 1 to 1.5 inches

  • Nests: Nests are aerial or in a protected aerial location; large in size, globular and made from paper. From 100-700 workers.

  • Color: Black & white; brownish-reddish

  • Diet: Prey on other insects and rarely are scavengers for sweets and proteins

  • Likelihood to Sting: Very aggressive when the nest is disturbed; many stinging individuals

Wasps

  • Size: Most wasps are smaller than hornets - 1 inch or less

  • Nests: Both aerial paper nests and ground nests. While yellow jackets will build above and below ground, they build underground most often. The paper wasps have no paper envelope enclosing and protecting the nest. From 100-5000 workers

  • Color: Wide variety of coloration.

  • Diet: Prey on other insects and are very likely to scavenge for sweets & proteins

  • Likelihood to Sting: The yellow jackets are very aggressive, but the paper wasps are not likely to sting unless threatened.

Other Differences

Traps that use sweet or protein baits are likely to attract yellow jackets, but not most other wasps and hornets.

Resources

Dig Deeper on Wasps

Great Black Wasps

Great black wasp illustration

Parasitic wasps: Should I be worried?

Q

I found big, fat bees. Is this something I should be worried about?

Identification of Velvet Ant

Can you identify this wasp?

Q

The wasp is huge and has wings, a black body, and yellow legs/appendages. Could it be a queen paper wasp?

How do we get rid of the wasp nest under our cedar siding?

Q

We have tried a variety of sprays and solutions, but they keep coming back. Any suggestions?

Western Yellow Jacket Wasps

Image coming soon

I have wasps in my attic

Q

I have wasps that are either in my siding or in my attic. What solutions can you provide to rid me of them?

Should I knock down wasp nests?

Q

I’d like to knock the nests down before they start to multiply for the season. Would it be fairly safe to knock out the nests at this time of year

Wasp problem in old two story building

Q

The wasps are constantly swarming and very active. What can be done to solve this problem?

How to Tell Honey Bees & Wasps Apart

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