Hornets vs Wasps: How to Identify Newmarket’s Late-Season Nests
By October, wasp and hornet nests are at their largest and their most defensive, and with fewer flowers and food sources around, both insects become more likely to investigate bins, fallen fruit, and anything sweet near the house. Knowing whether you’re looking at a wasp or a hornet nest helps you judge the risk and decide how urgently it needs dealing with.
Telling Wasps and Hornets Apart
Common wasps are around 12-17mm long with bright yellow and black banding, while European hornets are noticeably larger, up to 35mm, with a more muted brown and yellow colouring and a duller, less aggressive-looking pattern. Hornet nests are usually built in sheltered, hollow spaces, such as inside tree cavities, wall voids, or roof spaces, whereas wasp nests are more commonly found in lofts, sheds, and eaves, or underground.
Why Late-Season Nests Are More Dangerous
By autumn, a wasp nest that started in spring can hold several thousand workers, and as the colony reaches the end of its natural cycle, wasps become noticeably more aggressive and less predictable. Both wasps and hornets can sting repeatedly, and while a hornet’s sting is not significantly more dangerous than a wasp’s for most people, its size means a larger dose of venom per sting. NHS guidance on insect bites and stings covers the signs of a serious allergic reaction and when to seek medical help.
What to Do If You’ve Found a Nest
- Keep a safe distance and avoid disturbing the nest or blocking its entrance
- Don’t attempt to treat a hornet nest yourself, as they are more defensive when threatened and a nest in a wall or roof void is harder to treat safely without training
- Keep children and pets away from the area until the nest has been dealt with
- Avoid using shop-bought sprays on a large or late-season nest, as this can provoke a mass response
Professional Wasp and Hornet Nest Removal in Newmarket
Whether you’re dealing with wasps or hornets, our team can safely identify and remove nests around Newmarket homes and gardens, with no call-out charge. Get in touch with our team today if you’ve spotted a nest this autumn.