Also known as the brown hornet or giant hornet, the European hornet was named after how it was brought over from Europe to the United States around the 1800’s. They are large than most other stinging insects, in that they range from 25mm to 35mm. They like to live in paper nest that they create by pulling together different plant resources, and if they can the like to make them in dark, safe spaces.
While they generally like to avoid conflict unless provoked, they will fiercely defend their nest and will be aggressive around their food sources. It is definitely recommended to be careful if you suspect you have European hornets as their stings may hurt for several days and swell even without an allergic reaction. They have also been known to hunt and kill the beneficial honeybees, going so far as to attack them in their hives.
