You may have spotted a large brown and yellow hornet buzzing around your neighborhood recently. These inch-long insects are known as European hornets and are not a new threat. In fact, European hornets have been part of the American landscape since the 1840s, when they first arrived from Asia and Europe.
Dr. Jim Fredericks, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs at the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), says European hornets “were first detected in the New York area in the 1800s.”
But are they dangerous? Like all stinging insects, European hornets will defend their colonies if they feel threatened. This means people and pets are at risk of being stung if they get too close. “Unfortunately, because this species has a smooth stinger, they can sting multiple times without losing their stinger,” Dr. Fredericks says. “The venomous stings can be painful and some people can have severe allergic reactions.”
European hornets can also cause damage to vegetation. They are known to chew through the bark of trees and shrubs to feed on sap, which can sometimes lead to injury to plants.
The NPMA is not tracking this pest and cannot comment on whether it has been spotted recently in NJ though this is the time they typically emerge. So, what should you do if you see one? Dr. Fredericks suggests being cautious but not alarmed. European hornets are social insects, usually living in colonies of 200-400 members, and are most active in late summer. To avoid attracting them, keep food and garbage sealed and clean up any fallen fruit around trees like apples or crabapples. “They’re also attracted to hummingbird feeders,” Dr. Fredericks says. Moving feeders to less active areas can help reduce the chances of an encounter.
If you find a nest, Dr. Fredericks strongly advises against attempting to remove it yourself. “Contact a licensed pest control professional who can safely and effectively remove the nest,” he says.
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