Every summer we get calls from Hertfordshire homeowners convinced they've found a hornet's nest, when in reality it's the common wasp. Equally, the genuinely invasive Asian hornet is now being spotted in the UK and needs to be reported. Knowing the difference matters.
Common wasp (Vespula vulgaris)
Around 12–17mm long, bright yellow and black, with a clearly defined waist. Builds papery grey nests in lofts, sheds, wall cavities and underground. Numbers peak in late summer when workers turn to sugary foods and become a nuisance at picnics and bins.
European hornet (Vespa crabro)
Much larger — workers around 25mm, queens up to 35mm. Brown and yellow rather than the wasp's stark black. Nests in tree cavities, outbuildings and roof voids. Despite their fearsome reputation, they're generally less aggressive than common wasps unless the nest is disturbed.
Asian hornet (Vespa velutina)
Slightly smaller than the European hornet, with a near-black thorax, a dark abdomen with one bright yellow band, and yellow leg tips. This is the invasive species that arrived in France in 2004 and has been confirmed in the UK since 2016 — it is a serious threat to honey bees.
What to do
- Suspected Asian hornet? Take a photo (from a safe distance) and report it via the iRecord Asian Hornet app or to alertnonnative@ceh.ac.uk.
- European hornet nest in an awkward spot? Call us — we'll assess and only treat if there's a genuine risk to people.
- Common wasp nest near a doorway, in a loft or by a play area? Same-day treatment is usually possible.