Unprecedented amount of Hornets
According to KPN Wasp Nest Removal, based in Oxted, there’s an unprecedented amount of hornets around Tandridge at the moment, with KPN currently treating almost as many hornet nests as wasp nests!
Currently, the present queens are producing the new queens for next year – about 2,000 on average (Wasps). These will get impregnated and then hibernate. Everything else within the nest will die off when the cold hits.
Despite hornets usually being seen between May and November, because the last 3 winters have been very mild, KPN have been treating nests up until the 3rd week of December.
More about Hornets…
Scientific name: Vespa crabro
Size: Up to 35mm
Located: Mostly found in south east England but as far north as Nottinghamshire
Months seen: May to November (although due to mild winters the last 3 years we have treated active wasp and hornet nests right through to the 3rd week of December)
Habitat: Woodlands, parks and gardens. Rarely in built up areas
Food: Sugary foods such as nectar and fruit. The larvae eat other insects which are brought to them by the adults. Adult wasps and hornets cannot digest meat.
Special features: Hornets are the biggest wasps found in the UK, and are our largest social insect. They differ from common wasps in both size and colour. Common wasps are yellow and black, while hornets are yellow and brown.
In spring, just like other social wasps, hornets build a papery nest to house the queen and her developing larvae. The nest is usually constructed inside hollow trees, buildings and roof spaces, although, for the 1st time in 15 years I have come across hornet nests in the ground. 3 this year.
They make the nests by scraping wood from, trees, buildings etc. and mixing it with their saliva to form a pulp. This is then shaped with the jaws to create the walls of the nest.
Unlike common wasps which fly by day, hornets fly by day and after dark, provided there is light to guide them. They will fly to lighted windows, and buzz around security lights at any hour of the night.
Nick Godsell of KPN has seen about 3 times the amount he would treat in a normal season, approximately 100 nests this year. A mild spring has helped them thrive, as has regular rain fall throughout the summer. Wasps and Hornets need plenty of moisture to keep their nests cool as they can overheat quite quickly.
Although the sting of a hornet is by far more painful than that of a wasp, they are actually no more venomous. The length of the sting is what causes excruciating pain, as it penetrates the muscle.
Whether it be a wasp or hornet sting anyone suffering nausea or any adverse reaction should seek instant medical attention.
Nick Godsell | KPN WaspNest Removal | 07761 232470
