European Hornet Behavior:

European hornets (Vespa crabro L.) were first reported in North America about 1840 in New York. Since then, they have spread to most of the eastern United States, reaching as far west as Louisiana and the Dakotas. European hornets are also commonly called the brown or giant hornets, and are sometimes mistakenly referred to as “Japanese” hornets which is a different species more commonly called the “Asian giant hornet” (Vespa mandarinia Smith). The European hornet is the largest and, technically, the only, true hornet found in the United States, although the large Asian giant hornet has been found recently in Washington state and previously across the border in Canada.

Adults somewhat resemble yellowjackets, but are much larger (about 1 – 1¹⁄₂ inches) and are brown with wide yellow markings rather than black with yellow markings. Queens, which may be seen in the spring, are more reddish than brown, and are larger than the workers.  The head of European hornets is reddish-brown, becoming yellowish near the face. Their nests are typically built in hollow trees, but they are often found in barns, sheds, attics, and wall voids of houses. Unlike its cousin, the bald-faced hornet, European hornets rarely build nests that are free hanging or in unprotected areas. Frequently, the nest is built at the cavity opening, rather than deep within. The outside of the exposed nest will be covered with coarse, thick, tan, paper-like material fashioned from decayed wood fibers. Nests built in wall voids may emit a noticeable stench.