How Do Hornets Differ from Wasps and Yellow Jackets?

Hornets are bigger, meaner, and sting more painfully. Montclair NJ wasp and hornet control helps fight back

The spring, summer, and fall seasons in the Northeast are glorious times of year, and while people love to spend time in the open air, pests like hornets and wasps are also happier during the outdoor living season. Indeed, pests like wasps and hornets are particularly concerning during this time of year, and they could be lurking somewhere in your yard.

Both of these stinging insects are quite common in our region, but it is important to be able to distinguish between the two; one is more aggressive than the other. Wasps, most commonly Yellow jackets, are quite common here, and they aren’t much larger than honey bees. However, this is where their similarities end. Wasps build umbrella-shaped nests in areas around homes, in the ground where moles have left open burrows, as well as in the woods in sheltered trees. Unlike honeybees, wasps have a more aggressive appearance, which is thanks to the alternating yellow and black strips running the length of their bodies, as well as their sharply angled abdomen. We all know about the stingers at the end of their bodies. Hornets, by contrast, are generally much bigger. You will notice these creatures come in an assortment of colors, including variations of black and white, red and black, and many other combinations. Their heads are also larger, hosting larger mandibles for chewing, and their abdomen is less slender, leading to a much more robust appearance. Thanks to their size difference and heavier bodies, hornets also tend to have a lower-pitched wingbeat sound, adding to the warning signs you may be in a hornet’s presence. 

Finally, and most importantly, hornets are easier to aggravate and are more likely to attack you when you aren’t expecting it, putting your health at risk. Hornets can sting many times in a row, so an entire hornet hive targeting you could potentially lead to hospitalization if the attack is severe enough. For children, pets, and the elderly, significant hornet attacks can even be a life threat. Thus, proactive measures are the best way to handle these pests before they get the chance to harm you or your family.

Professional Montclair NJ Wasp and Hornet Control

At Mosquito Squad Plus, we want to be able to enjoy our yards without constant pest worries, just like you, and our powerful wasp and hornet control treatments are a great way to target this threat before it becomes a bigger issue. While we can't prevent new hornets from finding your property down the road, we can resolve your existing wasp issues so you can make the most of your outdoor lifestyle again.

Keep wasps and hornets away from your home. Give our team at Mosquito Squad Plus of North Jersey a call today at (973) 532-5047 to learn more about our services and how we can help you reclaim your yard.