Habitat

European hornets are not as aggressive as bald-faced hornets, but will nevertheless sting if their colony is disturbed. Hornet nests can be found in locations, such as:

• Attics
• Porches
• Inside wall voids
• Tree branches or hollows
• Thick bushes

Nests

Hornet nests are constructed with paper-like material produced by the insects mixing their saliva together with the wood fibers they gather. Nest location is one of the differences between European hornets and bald-faced hornets . European hornets usually nest in wall voids or in the open portions of attics, while bald-faced hornets usually construct aerial nests in trees or large bushes. Learn more about hornet nests .

Diet

Adult worker diets consist of insects and plant nectar. Fruits and sodas will attract hornets. Learn more about what hornets eat .

Growing Colonies

Colonies usually have an annual life cycle. Colony success depends on the ability of hornet queens to survive the cold weather of winter. Fertile hornet queens begin building new nests in the spring and also start laying eggs. As the eggs hatch and become hornet grubs (larvae), queens works to enlarge the nest. This is done by hunting for insects to feed to larvae.

In time, larvae mature, go through a pupal stage, and develop into the first generation of adults. At this point, queens cease work enlarging the nest to focus on laying eggs. The first and subsequent generations of hornet workers assume the role of nest builders, protectors, and food gatherers for the remaining members of the colony.

Mating

Around mid to late summer queens produce eggs that hatch and develop into sexually mature adult male and female hornets. These fertile adults leave their nests , mate, and the new fertile queens begin a new cycle. These queens are the only members of their colonies that have a chance to survive the winter. Once the subsequent spring months arrive, these overwintering queens will emerge to begin building and populating a new nest in a new location.