Quick facts
- Species
- European hornet (Vespa crabro); the Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) is an invasive species
- Size
- Workers about 25 mm, queens up to 35 mm
- Colour
- Brown and yellow, with a reddish-brown head and thorax
- Season
- Nests grow from May and peak in August and September
- Nests found in
- Hollow trees, sheds, wall cavities, lofts, bird boxes and chimneys
How to identify hornets
The European hornet is Britain's largest social wasp. It is noticeably bigger than a common wasp, with a brown and chestnut-red thorax and a yellow abdomen marked with brown. In flight it makes a deep, loud buzz. Unlike common wasps, hornets also fly at night and are drawn to lit windows, which is often how people first notice them. The Asian hornet is slightly smaller than the European hornet and very dark, almost black, with a single yellow-orange band near the end of its abdomen and yellow tips to its legs. It is a threat to honeybees and every sighting in the UK is investigated.
Signs of a hornet nest
- Large brown and yellow insects flying in and out of one hole in a tree, wall, roof or shed
- A papery nest, brown rather than grey, in a sheltered space such as a shed or loft
- Hornets tapping against lit windows in the evening
- A loud buzzing in a chimney, wall cavity or bird box
- Bark stripped from young branches or shrubs, which hornets use to build their nest
Risks
A hornet sting is painful and, like any sting, can cause a serious allergic reaction. If someone has swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, dizziness or collapse after a sting, call 999. European hornets are generally calmer than common wasps away from the nest, but they will defend it if it is disturbed or knocked.
Asian hornets: what to do
If you think you have seen an Asian hornet, do not disturb the nest. Take a photo if it is safe to do so and report it through the Asian Hornet Watch app or the Non-native Species Secretariat website. Specialist teams deal with confirmed Asian hornet nests. We can help you identify what you have and pass on the right reporting details.
Professional hornet nest treatment
Treatment is similar to wasp nest treatment: the technician applies an insecticide to the nest entrance or the nest itself, wearing full protective equipment, and the colony dies off over the following day or two. Hornet nests are often high up or inside hollow trees, so we will tell you in advance if access equipment is needed. If the nest is somewhere nobody goes, such as the end of a large garden, you may decide to leave it. Nests die off naturally in autumn and are not reused.
Prevention
- Check sheds, lofts and bird boxes in late spring when nests are small
- Seal gaps in soffits, roof tiles and air bricks before May
- Keep outdoor lights off or use curtains in late summer to avoid drawing hornets to windows
- Never block a nest entrance; the hornets will find another way out, sometimes into the house
Hornet nest removal across Southwark and London
We deal with hornet nest problems in homes and businesses across South London. We cover South London, Central London (the City, the West End and Westminster), East London out to Stratford and Newham, and nearby parts of Kent, from our base at South Dock Marina in SE16. A standard visit is £90, and you can book online or call 020 8050 2022.
- Southwark
- Bermondsey
- Peckham
- Camberwell
- Rotherhithe
- Lambeth
- Brixton
- Lewisham
- Greenwich
- Bromley
- Bexley
- Kent
- Central London
- City of London
- Westminster
- East London
- Tower Hamlets
- Hackney
- Newham
- All areas
Hornet nest removal: questions and answers
Are hornets more dangerous than wasps?
Not usually. European hornets are larger and their sting can be more painful, but they tend to be less aggressive than common wasps unless the nest is disturbed.
Do you remove hornet nests in trees?
We can treat nests in many trees and outbuildings. If the nest is very high, we will discuss access before the visit.
How do I know if it is an Asian hornet?
Asian hornets are darker, almost black, with one orange-yellow band near the tail and yellow leg tips. Report suspected sightings through the Asian Hornet Watch app.
Will hornets come back to the same nest?
No. The colony dies off in autumn and the nest is not reused, although a new queen may choose a similar spot next spring.
How much does hornet nest treatment cost?
A standard visit is £90. If the nest needs special access equipment, we will tell you the cost before we go ahead.
Related pages
This page is general information, last reviewed on 19 October 2026. It is not a substitute for an on-site inspection.