Black hornets, including species like the European hornet and bald-faced hornet, sting as a defensive mechanism when threatened or their nests are disturbed. Understanding their behavior and appearance can help avoid encounters.
Identifying the Black Hornet
The term “black hornet” often refers to two main species in North America: the European hornet (Vespa crabro) and the bald-faced hornet (Dolichovespula maculata). The European hornet is typically brown with yellow abdominal stripes and a pale face. They measure between ¾ to 1 ½ inches (18-38 mm) in length. They often nest in protected, dark spaces like hollow trees, barns, attics, or within wall voids of buildings.
Conversely, the bald-faced hornet is mostly black with distinct white or ivory markings on its face, thorax, and the tip of its abdomen. Despite its common name, it is technically a species of yellowjacket rather than a true hornet. Bald-faced hornets are smaller, ranging from ½ to ⅝ inches long, with queens reaching up to ¾ inch. Their nests are large, gray, football-shaped paper structures, often found in trees, shrubs, or under the eaves of buildings.
Understanding the Sting
Hornets possess a smooth stinger, allowing them to sting multiple times, unlike honeybees whose barbed stingers typically remain in the victim. The venom injected during a hornet sting can cause a range of reactions.
A single hornet sting commonly results in immediate sharp pain, followed by localized swelling, redness, and itching at the sting site. These mild symptoms usually subside within a few hours to a couple of days.
However, the severity of a hornet sting can vary based on an individual’s sensitivity to the venom and the number of stings received. Multiple stings, or stings in sensitive areas like the mouth or throat, can lead to more severe reactions and may become life-threatening. Some individuals may experience a systemic allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis, which can include symptoms like hives beyond the sting site, swelling of the skin or throat, difficulty breathing, dizziness, nausea, and a rapid heartbeat. Anaphylaxis requires immediate medical attention.
What to Do and How to Avoid Stings
If you are stung by a hornet, it is important to move away from the area to prevent additional stings, as hornets can sting repeatedly. Clean the sting site thoroughly with soap and water to reduce the risk of infection. Applying a cold compress or ice pack to the affected area for 10 minutes on and 10 minutes off can help reduce swelling and alleviate pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers and antihistamines can also be used to manage discomfort and itching.
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, swelling that spreads beyond the sting site, hives across the body, dizziness, or a rapid pulse. Medical care is also necessary if the sting occurred in the mouth, nose, or throat, or if symptoms worsen or persist.
To avoid hornet stings, remain calm and still if a hornet is flying nearby, as swatting can provoke it. When outdoors, avoid using strong perfumes or scented products, and opt for light-colored, smooth-finished clothing that covers as much skin as possible. Keep food and drinks covered, especially sugary items, as these attract hornets. Staying away from known nesting sites is also important, and if a nest is located in a high-traffic area, professional removal is recommended.