Wasps vs Hornets: What’s the Difference?
kphelps • October 13, 2021
What Are They Anyway?
So what exactly are wasps and hornets anyway? They belong to the same Insect Order, Hymenoptera, as bees. Members of this order have two pairs of membranous wings. They also commonly live in family groups. In the case of wasps and hornets, these are often referred to as colonies. As it turns out, hornets are a specific type of wasp.
Similarities
Because of their close relation to one another, it’s only natural for there to be more than just a few similarities between wasps and hornets. They have similar appearances and serve similar purposes. Both double as pollinators and help control garden pests. Both are omnivores as well, eating much the same diet. Their nests are made out of papery substances which are abandoned during the winter months. Perhaps of greatest concern is that both wasps and hornets are capable of delivering several stings in rapid succession.
Differences
Just because they have so many similarities doesn’t mean that they’re the same or indistinguishable from one another. Some hornets can be black and white instead of the standard black and yellow. Hornets are smaller than wasps, and tend to be rounder and fatter as well. Wasps tend to leave their legs hanging while they fly. Hornets, on the other hand, tuck their legs in when they fly, much like bees. They also tend to be more aggressive than wasps. Bald-faced hornets in particular don’t need much of any provocation before stinging and attacking.
Wasps and hornets may have useful roles to fulfill around the garden, but their capacity to sting multiple times and sometimes more aggressive nature can make them more of a pest than a helper in the garden. Because of this, it’s a good idea to have them removed instead of allowing them to build their nests near your home. You don’t necessarily need to know specifically what type of insect you’re dealing with to have it removed, but knowing the differences between wasps and hornets can help you get a better handle on what you’re dealing with in the meantime.
Wasps and hornets are especially dangerous to those who are allergic to their stings, making their removal even more important. Schedule a Service
with us today to get them removed from your property.
Pest control is an essential service for maintaining a healthy and comfortable living environment, but for pet owners, ensuring these services are safe for their animals is equally important. Traditional pest control methods often rely on chemicals that can pose serious health risks to pets. Dogs, cats, and other animals frequently explore their surroundings by sniffing and licking, making them particularly vulnerable to toxic substances. This has led to a significant increase in the demand for pet-friendly pest control solutions, as conscientious pet owners seek to protect their furry companions from harm. A study by the National Pesticide Information Center underscores the potential dangers pesticides pose to pets, highlighting the need for safer alternatives.
Where the health and safety of children are paramount, ensuring a pest-free home environment is a critical concern for many parents. Traditional pest control methods often rely on chemicals that can pose significant health risks, particularly to children, whose developing bodies are more vulnerable to toxins. As awareness of these dangers grows, families are increasingly turning to child-safe pest control solutions that minimize chemical exposure while effectively managing pest issues.
Zoonotic diseases are infections that can be transmitted from animals to humans, posing a significant threat to public health worldwide. As urban areas expand and ecosystems are altered by climate change, the interaction between humans and animals intensifies, increasing the risk of zoonotic diseases. Pests such as rodents, mosquitoes, and ticks are key vectors in carrying these diseases into human habitats, facilitating their spread. Understanding the dynamics of zoonotic diseases is crucial in developing effective strategies to protect public health and maintain safe living environments.
