Hornets, a type of social wasp, often seem drawn to human activity, leading to uncomfortable close encounters. This perceived attraction stems from several factors related to their foraging needs and defensive instincts. Understanding these behaviors can help explain why hornets might approach individuals.
Chemical Signals and Food Sources
Hornets possess a highly developed sense of smell, which they use to locate various food sources. Adult hornets seek sugary substances for energy, such as nectar from flowers, fruit juices, or tree sap. They are particularly attracted to ripe or damaged fruits and human sugary drinks like soda.
In addition to sweets, hornets require protein, especially to feed their developing larvae. They are primarily carnivorous, preying on other insects and arthropods like flies, bees, caterpillars, grasshoppers, and spiders. Hornets also scavenge for protein from sources like picnic meats, cooked chicken, or roadkill. Outdoor meals can inadvertently attract them.
Certain human body odors, such as sweat, which contains amino acids, can also draw their attention. Some scented products, including perfumes, colognes, lotions, and hair products, might attract hornets, as they can mimic floral scents or alarm pheromones.
Visual Cues and Movement
Hornets perceive their environment through complex vision, enabling them to discriminate colors. Bright colors, particularly yellow, white, and floral patterns, can attract hornets because these colors may resemble flowers where they forage for nectar. Conversely, dark colors, especially black, might be perceived as a threat, potentially resembling natural predators like bears.
Sudden or erratic movements, such as swatting at a hornet, can be interpreted as a direct threat. This defensive perception can provoke a hornet to respond aggressively, potentially leading to a sting.
Maintaining calm and moving slowly away from a hornet is recommended to avoid escalating the situation. Running can also attract their attention and encourage pursuit.
Proximity to Nests and Territoriality
Hornets are highly territorial insects, especially when it comes to their nests. Their defensive behavior is an instinct aimed at protecting the colony and its queen. If a person approaches too closely to a nest, accidentally disturbs it, or blocks a hornet’s flight path, it can trigger a defensive response.
When their nest is perceived as threatened, hornets will attack to defend it, often releasing alarm pheromones to signal other colony members to join the defense. Unlike bees, hornets can sting multiple times.
It is important to distinguish between a hornet foraging for food, which is less aggressive, and one defending its territory, which will exhibit a much higher level of aggression. The attraction in these instances is not personal but a natural protective instinct for their home and offspring.