PEST NAME :  HORNET (Vespa crabro)

SIZE, SHAPE AND COLOUR :  19-35mm. Narrow waist. Distinctive banding in yellow and brown.

BIOLOGY :  Similar to that of the wasp with only the young, fertilised females surviving the winter in hibernation to emerge in the spring and form new colonies.

PREFERRED FOODS : Their prey is mostly made of insects which are considered pests. They also feed on bees, Hornets are not attracted to human foods and food wastes. However, they can totally destroy fruits, such as apples, while the fruit is still on the tree.

HABITAT :  Occurs locally in the southern half of England and throughout Europe.

Despite its large size hornets are not particularly aggressive and because it is relatively uncommon should not be destroyed unless absolutely necessary.

Unless you are experienced in dealing with hornets, never attempt to destroy a colony yourself. If you find a nest, keep well away. There can be several thousand workers in a fully-formed colony and ALL OF THEM CAN STING! It is far more sensible, and safer, to call in Valley Pest Control, Devon.

To find out more about other types of Flying Insects see below: