Difference Between Wasps and Hornets

Having bees around always comes with the uneasiness of possibly being stung. Fortunately, you won’t often be targeted if you leave them alone. But what about wasps and hornets? These two stinging insects are commonly lumped in as part of the bee family, but they actually have a classification of their own and require a different set of knowledge to handle.

Our technicians at The Bug Man are well trained in the types of wasps and hornets you might see in the Central TN area, and can help you properly remove wasp nests and hornet nests.

Wasps vs. Hornets

So, what is the difference between wasps and hornets? A hornet is actually a type of wasp, but it differs from common wasp species in the following ways:

1. Its physical appearance. Hornets tend to be larger and rounder than wasps and usually have brown or reddish-orange markings on their backs, as opposed to the black and yellow wasp.
2. Its social habits. Hornets are social insects, sometimes coming from nests of over 100 other hornets. Wasps can be either social or lonesome insects, varying by species.
3. Its aggression. Hornets are less likely to be provoked than some other species of wasps, but when you threaten them or their nest, their sting can be more painful than other kinds of stinging insects.

Do Wasps Sting?

Wasps and hornets that are found around Central TN are capable of stinging and biting. Unlike bees, a wasp can sting repeatedly, as its stinger isn’t removed from its body in the process of an attack. A single hornet sting can feel very painful because of the venom that it carries. With wasps, you might be in for more than just one sting. A wasp whose nest has been threatened releases a pheromone that alerts other wasps to assume a defensive demeanor. Anyone in their path is likely to be stung.

Wasp Removal and Hornet Removal

If you think you’ve found a wasp nest or hornet nest in your yard in Central TN, call the experts at The Bug Man to have it safely removed. Our technicians are trained to handle all kinds of bees, wasps, and hornets, safely assessing your yard for the best prevention and removal strategies. If you want to keep wasps and hornets off of your property all year long, contact us today for a free quote!