Hornet Identification
What is the best way to spot hornets? Hornets, wasps and yellow jackets are somehow confusing. If you are not a keen observer, you would probably think that what you see are wasps, instead of hornets or they could be yellow jackets. But the fact that they sting, you would think that what you believe is right.The concept of identifying hornets from the other kinds is similar to the concept of recognizing two or three persons with the same name. The easiest way to spot the difference is to find out where they live. It would be too much of a coincidence if two or three persons will have common names and likewise, will have the same house structure.
Knowing where and how they nest
The same theory is applied to hornets, wasps and the yellow jackets. The best way to identify and distinguish hornets from the other kinds is through their nest. Hornets are commonly found on trees. The bald-faced hornets construct a football-shaped nest in any kind of trees. The good thing about hornets is that they are not usually seen in flight near humans. They have a certain characteristic of being gentle and they usually keep themselves away from human beings. As a matter of fact, hornets are safer compared to yellow jackets because they are not aggressive.
In some cases, hornets will also build nest on flowers and/or old woods. They can also be seen on some nearby foliage or bushes where they look similar to bees or wasps. The only distinction is that hornets have a white mask over their faces.
On the other hand, the secretive types of yellow jackets usually build their nest underground, whereas the paper wasps will nest under the roof space of a house or in an attic. Some yellow jackets can be spotted nesting inside the puncture or fissure and/or in a noticeable honeycomb structure.
Knowing where and how they fly
Another way to identify hornets from the others aside from their nest is by observing where and how they fly. Knowing that hornets usually avoid near contact with human beings, they often take wing on unpopulated areas like flower gardens or in some forests.
Yellow jackets on the other hand, are often visible in early autumns and late in the summer. They often show up during picnics in order to search for rummage foods. Yellow jackets take to the air in a crisscross manner. Frequently, they are somehow similar to a fly in mid-flight.
Wasps or the paper wasps take wing in a dashing manner. Their bodies flopped as they fly.
Both hornets and the paper wasps feed on plant nectar and live insects. This is one good characteristic they have in common, thus the main reason why they do not cause much harm or problem to humans. However, the fact that they exist can cause some disturbance and annoyance to the human beings around.
Important Reminder:
Even if hornets are not that aggressive, you can never tell it is always safe to get close to them. Once they get hurt, it triggers them to show aggression and eventually do violence to anything or anyone nearby. So, beware and take care.