When it comes to summertime pests stinging pests are the bane of our existence. They can quickly ruin outdoor time. The biggest issue was stinging pests, especially Hornets and Wasps, is that they carry a painful sting and are incredibly aggressive. Speaking of Hornets and Wasps, many people don’t know how to tell the difference between the two. Technically speaking, Hornets are a type of wasp, but they have different behaviors and look different as well. Effective Pest Services is here to talk about the difference between hornets and wasps and share some tips as to how you can keep them away this summer.
Physical Differences Between Hornets & Common Wasps
There are many similarities between wasps and hornets. As mentioned above, hornets are a specific type of wasp. While they are both black and yellow, carry a painful sting, and are flying insects, there are still several differences in the way that common wasps and hornets look. For instance, Wasps usually have a long narrow body. When you look at a Hornet, they have a much thicker than Wasps do. Most people know when they are dealing with a Hornet because of this distinct difference. If the stinging insect that you see thick and large, it is more than likely a Hornet. If the insect that you see has a long incredibly narrow body and severely pinched waist, is more than likely a common wasp.
Differences Between Hornet & Wasp Nests
When it comes to Wasps and Hornets, their nests are going to look similar as well. They are both made out of a thin papery substance. However, a Hornet’s nest is usually much larger than a common wasp nest. A Hornet’s nest can get to the size of a basketball and is usually found high up in trees or shrubs. Their colonies usually consist of 70 to 100 insects. A common wasp is going to have a much smaller colony of about 20 to 30 insects and their nests are going to be between six and eight inches wide and a hexagonal shape.
How a Wasp Sting Differs from a Hornet Sting
Whether you are getting stung by a wasp or a Hornet, it is going to be painful. However, a Hornet‘s seeing has a neurotoxin that can prove to be fatal in some people. Unfortunately, a Hornet sting is usually more painful than a wasp sting. Both of these insects have the ability to sting a person over and over again though. And both of these insects are incredibly aggressive if they feel they are threatened in any way.
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 any Hornet or wasp activity on your property, it is best to have them removed by the professionals at Effective Pest Services as removal can be dangerous when you don’t have the training necessary to remove them safely. Call us today!