Many people associate the term “hornet” with large, intimidating stinging insects. This often leads to questions about their presence in specific regions, such as Florida. Understanding these insects and their common look-alikes helps identify them accurately and respond appropriately, promoting safer interactions.
Hornets Found in Florida
Florida is home to species often referred to as hornets. The European Hornet (Vespa crabro) is the only true hornet from the Vespa genus found in North America, with an established presence in Florida. These large insects measure between 0.75 and 1.5 inches. They have a brownish or reddish-brown body with distinct yellow or dull orange stripes and a pale face.
European hornets are notable for their nocturnal activity, often attracted to lights after dusk. They construct paper nests in sheltered, enclosed spaces such as hollow trees, wall voids, or attics.
Another prominent species commonly called a hornet in Florida is the Bald-faced Hornet (Dolichovespula maculata). These insects are recognized by their striking black bodies with distinctive white markings on their face, thorax, and abdomen. Bald-faced hornets are somewhat smaller than European hornets, with workers typically measuring between 0.5 and 0.625 inches. Their nests are large, football-shaped, grayish paper structures often suspended from trees, shrubs, or buildings.
Common Look-Alikes
Many insects in Florida are frequently mistaken for hornets due to their size or coloration. Yellowjackets, such as the Eastern Yellowjacket (Vespula maculifrons) and Southern Yellowjacket (Vespula squamosa), are smaller than hornets, measuring 0.5 to 1 inch long. They have a slender body with a narrow waist and bright yellow and black patterns. Yellowjackets often build nests underground or in wall voids, and are known for aggressive scavenging, particularly around food sources.
Paper Wasps (Polistes spp.) are another common look-alike, measuring between 0.625 and 0.75 inches. They have slender bodies, often with reddish-brown or black coloration and yellow markings. A distinguishing characteristic is their long legs, which visibly dangle beneath their bodies in flight. Their nests are umbrella-shaped with exposed cells, found in sheltered locations like under eaves, porch ceilings, or tree branches.
Cicada Killer Wasps (Sphecius speciosus) are among the largest wasps in Florida, often reaching up to 1.5 inches. These solitary wasps have a black abdomen with distinct, often broken, yellow bands. Their wings are amber-colored, and their heads often feature a yellow patch. Unlike social hornets or yellowjackets, cicada killers dig individual burrows in the ground, particularly in sandy or well-drained soil, where females provision their young with paralyzed cicadas.
Safe Practices and Management
Encountering large stinging insects requires caution to prevent stings. Maintaining a respectful distance from any suspected nest is a primary safety measure. Observing the nest from afar, especially during lower insect activity, can help assess the situation without provoking the insects. Avoid standing directly in their flight path, as this can increase the likelihood of accidental provocation.
Wearing light-colored clothing and avoiding strong perfumes or scented products can make individuals less attractive to these insects. Keeping outdoor areas clean by securing trash cans, promptly cleaning up food spills, and removing dropped fruit helps reduce attractants. Sealing entry points into homes, such as gaps around pipes, windows, and doors, can prevent insects from nesting indoors.
If a nest is discovered on a property, especially one near human activity, attempting removal without professional assistance is generally not recommended. Stinging insects, particularly social species, can aggressively defend their nests, and multiple stings can occur, posing a risk even to individuals not allergic to stings. Contacting a qualified pest control professional ensures safe and effective removal, as they possess the necessary equipment and expertise to handle such situations.