Nothing will ruin your outdoor space like a wasp or a hornet infestation. Stinging pests carry such a painful sting that it is no wonder people are scared to death of them. Stinging pests that can be especially frightening since they are so aggressive are wasps and hornets. When you are struggling with an infestation of wasps or hornets, it might lead you to wonder what you’re actually dealing with and whether or not there is, in fact, a difference between the two of them. Effective Pest Services is here to talk about what sets wasps and hornets apart from one another.

Hornets Are a Type of Social Wasp

There is actually a difference between wasps and hornets in that hornets are a type of social wasp. They are often larger than other types of wasps though. They belong to the Vespidae family and happen to be especially aggressive in nature. They come in a couple of different color combinations that include both black and yellow. These insects are ones that you should avoid at all costs.

Different Physical Differences Hornets & Other Wasps

Let’s take a closer look at some of the differences between hornets and wasps:
– Size & Color: When it comes to hornets and other wasps, there are some physical differences between the two. Hornets are usually larger than other types of wasps. They have a larger head and a thick thorax. Some hornets are as big as two inches long. It isn’t uncommon for hornets to have an orange hue on their yellow and black bodies too. However, wasps come in a variety of different colors. They can be completely black, brown, or even metallic greens and blues.
– Body Structure: Because hornets have a thicker and more elongated body than wasps, they are able to fly faster and more accurately. Hornets also have a distinct waist. Wasps are extremely slender and have a narrow waist. Their legs are more slender and their head is smaller as well.
– Wings & Legs: Another thing that makes hornets such fast and precise flyers is their large wings. They might have shorter legs, but that allows them to fit into smaller and more narrow openings when they are building their nests and looking for a safe place to build up a colony. Wasps are great at crawling and climbing because of their long, slender legs.

Are Hornets More Aggressive than Other Wasps?

For the most part, you can count on hornets being more aggressive than wasps in most cases. There are some hornets that will pretend that they are dead when they feel threatened, but they are excellent fliers that will aggressively guard their nests.

Stinging Insect Pest Inspections, Exclusion, Control, Removal & More in Wellington, Fort Collins, Timnath, Greeley, Longmont, Boulder, Johnstown, Berthoud, Estes Park & Loveland, CO | Northern Colorado

If you have noticed hornets or other wasps on your property, you can turn to Effective Pest Services to help you get rid of them. These are aggressive insects that carry a painful sting. Let us take care of them for you. Call us today!