European Hornet: Identification Guide
Quick Facts About European Hornets
The European hornet is the only true hornet in Tennessee, and at up to 1 1/2 inches, the largest wasp most people will see here. It’s often reported as a murder hornet, but it isn’t one.- Size: About 1 to 1 1/2 inches
- Color: Brown to reddish-brown head and thorax, with a yellow abdomen marked with brown
- Active: Day and night; often drawn to lights after dark
- Nests: Hollow trees, wall voids, attics, barns, and sheds
- Diet: Other insects, plus tree sap and fallen fruit
- Behavior: Usually not aggressive away from the nest, but will defend it
How to Identify European Hornets
Size and coloring are the clues: much bigger than a yellow jacket, with brown rather than black markings.European Hornets vs. Murder Hornets
The northern giant hornet, nicknamed the murder hornet, has never been found in Tennessee. It was only detected in Washington State and British Columbia. See our wasp and hornet guide.
European Hornets vs. Cicada Killers
Cicada killers are large wasps that dig burrows in lawns in midsummer. They’re black or rusty with yellow bands, and they rarely sting people.
Signs of European Hornets
- Hornets at night: Large wasps buzzing around porch lights or bumping against windows after dark
- Bark stripping: Stripped bark on lilacs, birches, and other shrubs, used for nest material
- Traffic at a hole: Hornets entering gaps in siding, soffits, or a hollow tree
- Humming in walls: Sounds from a wall void or attic
European Hornet Stings
- What happens: Sharp pain, then redness, swelling, and itching around the sting. Swelling can spread several inches and last a few days.
- First aid: Move away from the nest. Scrape out a honey bee stinger with a fingernail or card, wash the area, apply a cold compress, and elevate it. An antihistamine can help with itching.
- Call 911: For trouble breathing, swelling of the face, lips, or throat, hives spreading over the body, dizziness, or fainting. Use an epinephrine auto-injector if one has been prescribed.
- Also get care: For many stings at once, a sting inside the mouth or throat, or a sting that shows signs of infection.
How to Prevent European Hornets
- Seal gaps in siding, soffits, and attic vents
- Switch outdoor lights to yellow bulbs to attract fewer insects at night
- Pick up fallen fruit
- Check hollow trees and outbuildings near the house
When to Call a Professional
European hornet nests are usually hidden in walls, attics, and hollow trees, which makes them risky to treat yourself. Don’t seal the entrance; they may chew into your home. See our wasp removal service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are European hornets in Tennessee?
Yes. The European hornet is the only true hornet found in Tennessee.
Is a European hornet a murder hornet?
No. Murder hornets have never been found in Tennessee. Large hornets seen here are almost always European hornets.
Why are hornets at my porch light at night?
European hornets are active at night and are attracted to lights.
Are European hornets aggressive?
They’re usually not aggressive away from the nest, but they will defend it and can sting repeatedly.
Where do European hornets nest?
In hollow trees, wall voids, attics, barns, and sheds.
