hornet nest removal, kent

Hornets in the UK: What You Need to Know

Hornets are often mistaken for oversized wasps—but they’re a species of their own. In the UK, the most common native species is the European hornet (Vespa crabro). Despite their size and fierce reputation, they’re generally less aggressive than the smaller, more familiar wasps you see around bins and barbecues. Hornets will only sting if they feel threatened, though their sting can be more painful due to stronger venom, which contains higher levels of acetylcholine and serotonin.

How to Tell the Difference Between Wasps and Hornets

Hornets can look quite dramatic, but their colour gives them away. Unlike the bright yellow and black stripes of common wasps, hornets have more muted brown, reddish-orange, and yellow markings, with less black on the body.

They also make a low, loud buzzing sound in flight, which can be quite noticeable.

A fully grown European hornet queen can reach up to 5.5 cm in length, making them one of the largest social wasps in the UK.

Life Cycle and Nesting Habits

Hornets follow a similar life cycle to other wasps. The queen emerges from hibernation around April, looking for a suitable place to start a nest. This is usually in a hollow tree, outbuilding, roof space or even wall cavities.

Using chewed wood mixed with saliva, she forms the papery nest structure and starts laying eggs.

Hornet larvae (grubs) are carnivorous and mainly fed on other insects—especially flies and caterpillars—making hornets surprisingly beneficial in keeping pest numbers down.

Hornet Populations in the UK

Over the past 30 years, the native European hornet has become far more widespread. Once mostly confined to southern counties like East Sussex and Kent, they’re now found throughout much of England and Wales, and have been recorded as far north as Yorkshire and parts of Scotland.

Additionally, concern has grown over the spread of the Asian hornet (Vespa velutina), an invasive species first spotted in the UK in 2016. These pose a serious threat to honey bees and are under active monitoring and control by DEFRA and the UK National Bee Unit.

As of 2024, there have been over 100 confirmed sightings across southern England, with new nests found each year—especially in Kent, Hampshire, Devon and East Sussex.

If you think you’ve seen an Asian hornet, it’s important to report it immediately
via the ‘Asian Hornet Watch’ app or DEFRA’s website.