Hornet or Wasp? How to Tell the Difference
By Wespenprofis.ch · Reviewed by:Fachbewilligung Schädlingsbekämpfung VFB-S · Updated: 3 July 2026
At a glance
At up to 35 mm, the European hornet is considerably larger than the common wasp (11–14 mm) and is reddish-brown rather than boldly contrasting black and yellow. Behaviour is the decisive clue: hornets are shy, avoid conflict and take no interest in sweet food — unlike the common wasp.
A large, humming insect around the garden shed is quick to cause concern — yet it is often a harmless hornet rather than a troublesome wasp. Telling them apart matters, because the two call for very different treatment.
What to look for
Size: At 18–23 mm (workers) and up to 35 mm (queens), the European hornet is considerably larger than the common or German wasp at 11–14 mm.
Colouring: Hornets are reddish-brown on the head and thorax, with a pale yellow abdomen crossed by black bands. Wasps, by contrast, show a boldly contrasting black-and-yellow warning pattern with no reddish-brown at all.
Behaviour: Hornets are shy, steer clear of conflict and take no interest in sweet food or meat. The common wasp, on the other hand, is drawn specifically to cake, barbecued meat and sweet drinks in late summer, and defends its nest aggressively.
Nest: Hornet nests are cylindrical, light brown and have a large open underside. Wasp nests look light brown and shell-like, with a small, concealed entrance hole.
Common mix-ups
Large wasp queens in spring, or particularly sturdy social wasps, are occasionally mistaken for hornets. If you are unsure, take a look at the markings on the head shield in the species profile for the common wasp or the German wasp. In recent years the invasive Asian hornet has also been spreading; it is almost black and is easily confused with the European hornet — unlike the latter, however, it must be reported via www.asiatischehornisse.ch.
Why hornets deserve protection
The European hornet is not legally protected in Switzerland (it is not listed in Annex 3 of the NHV, the ordinance under the Swiss nature conservation act NHG), but it is regarded as beneficial and is classed as «least concern» (LC) on the Red List. Because it is barely aggressive, we recommend a professional relocation rather than destruction when a nest sits close to a home. Only for a common or German wasp in the immediate vicinity of a home is control permitted and sensible on health grounds. If you are not certain about the identification, feel free to send us a photo — a hornet that has been misidentified and needlessly removed cannot be brought back.
For a complete overview of all the species, see the guide «Identifying Switzerland’s wasp species» and the section at /arten.
Frequently asked questions
Is a hornet more dangerous than a wasp?
No, quite the opposite. The European hornet is far shyer than the common or German wasp and only stings when its nest is directly threatened. It also shows no interest in food or drinks.
Why should hornets not be destroyed?
Although the European hornet is not legally protected, it is considered ecologically beneficial and is hardly aggressive. We therefore recommend a professional relocation rather than destroying the colony.
How large does a hornet get compared with a wasp?
European hornet workers reach 18–23 mm and queens up to 35 mm. Common and German wasps, by contrast, only reach 11–14 mm.