Difference Between Wasps and Hornets

Having bees nearby comes with the risk of getting stung. Fortunately, with bees, as long as you leave them alone they are unlikely to target you. But what about wasps and hornets? While wasps and hornets are typically lumped in as part of the bee family, they actually have a classification of their own, and dealing with them requires a different set of knowledge.

The stinging insect technicians at Allied Termite & Pest Control are well trained in the types of wasps and hornets you might see in the Memphis TN Metro Area area, and can safely remove wasp nests and hornet nests around your property.

Wasps vs. Hornets: How Can You Tell the Difference?

A hornet is actually a type of wasp, but it differs from common wasp species in several important ways:

1. 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. Social habits. Hornets are a social insect, sometimes coming from nests of over 100 other hornets. Wasps can be either social or solitary, varying by species.
3. Aggression. Hornets are less prone to being provoked than some other species of wasps. But if they believe you are threatening them or their nest and they target you, their sting is one of the most painful you can get from a stinging insect.

Do Wasps Sting?

Wasps and hornets around Memphis TN Metro Area are capable of stinging and biting. With wasps, you might be in for more than just one sting. Unlike bees, a wasp can sting repeatedly, as its stinger isn’t removed from its body when it stings you. Wasps also release pheromones when they feel their nest is under attack. This alerts other wasps to assume a defensive demeanor, and anyone in their path is likely to be stung.

Hornets are very dangerous in large groups. A single hornet sting can feel very painful because of the venom that it carries.

Wasp Removal and Hornet Removal

If you think you’ve found a wasp nest or hornet nest in your yard in Memphis TN Metro Area, don’t try to knock it down yourself – and keep a distance. Call the experts at Allied Termite & Pest Control 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!