You’re outside, maybe in your garden, and you hear that familiar buzzing sound. You glance up. There’s a striped insect flying past. You freeze for a second, trying to figure out what you’re looking at. Is it a wasp? Or is it a hornet?
Most people assume they’re the same—or close enough that it doesn’t matter. But when it comes to their size, their sting, and how they behave, wasps and hornets are actually quite different.
Knowing which one you’re dealing with can help you decide what to do next. Whether you’re trying to keep them away from your house, avoid getting stung, or just want to understand them better, it’s useful to know the difference.
This post breaks it down clearly and naturally, so you can spot those differences without needing a science degree.
First up: what they are
Wasps and hornets both belong to the same insect family—Vespidae. That’s why they look so similar and behave in similar ways. They build nests, they sting when threatened, and they often show up in the same places during the warmer months.
But hornets are actually a type of wasp. Think of it like this—every hornet is a wasp, but not every wasp is a hornet. Hornets are usually bigger, louder, and more powerful than the common wasps you see around your home.
So when you’re comparing them, you’re looking at two levels: wasps in general, and then the hornet as a particular kind of wasp.
What they look like
This is probably the easiest place to start if you’re trying to tell them apart. Size and colour can give you some clear clues.
Wasps
The wasps you see most often—like the common wasp or the German wasp—are slim, with a pinched waist and a bright yellow-and-black striped body. They usually grow to around 1 to 1.5 cm long. Their wings are thin and they fold them along their bodies when they rest.
Hornets
Hornets are larger. A European hornet, for example, can be around 2.5 to 3.5 cm long. Their colouring is also different. Instead of the bright, sharp yellow-and-black pattern, hornets have more of a reddish-brown and dull yellow look. Their heads are wider and their bodies are thicker overall.
So if the insect buzzing around you is bigger than usual, and not quite as brightly striped, it’s more likely to be a hornet.
Where you’re likely to see them
You can spot both wasps and hornets in similar places—gardens, woods, parks, or even inside your house if they’ve wandered in by mistake. But their habits can be slightly different.
Wasps
You’ll usually see wasps out and about from spring through to late summer. They’re active, quick, and often seen around bins, picnic tables, sweet drinks, or anything sugary. That’s especially true towards the end of summer, when they become more aggressive as food gets scarce.
Hornets
Hornets prefer quieter spots. They’re less likely to buzz around your food or get into your drinks. You might see them in woodland areas, near tree trunks, or flying at dusk. They’re active during similar months as wasps, but they’re not usually as attracted to human food.
If you’re getting lots of insects around your garden table, they’re probably wasps. If something big and bold flies past without much interest in your food, that might be a hornet.
How they behave
Behaviour is another way to tell wasps and hornets apart. Their movements, their habits, and the way they react to you can all offer clues.
Wasps
Wasps are curious and bold. They’re not shy about coming close. They’ll hover near your drink, explore your plate, and fly straight through an open window without hesitation. If they feel cornered, they’ll sting quickly.
They also tend to be more aggressive during late summer, especially if their nest is nearby or if their food sources are running low.
Hornets
Hornets are more cautious. They’ll keep their distance unless provoked. They’re also less drawn to sugar. That means they’re not as likely to buzz around your food or hover over a bin. But—and this is important—if they do feel threatened, they can be far more aggressive than wasps. They’ll defend themselves or their nest without much warning.
In short, wasps are more of a nuisance, but hornets can be more dangerous if you disturb them.
Their nests
Wasps and hornets both build nests from chewed wood pulp, mixed with their saliva. The nests look similar—papery, round, and usually greyish—but their size and location can vary.
Wasp nests
Wasps build nests in lofts, sheds, under eaves, in wall cavities, and sometimes underground. They tend to prefer dry, enclosed spaces where they can stay hidden but close to human activity.
Hornet nests
Hornets often build their nests higher up, like in tree branches, hollow trees, or on the sides of buildings. Their nests are usually larger and thicker than standard wasp nests, and you’re less likely to find one inside your home.
If you do find a nest and it’s big, high up, and the insects flying around it are large and reddish, it could be a hornet nest.
The sting
This is where things matter most for some people. You want to know what might happen if you’re stung.
Wasps
Wasps sting to defend themselves. Unlike bees, they don’t lose their stinger, so they can sting more than once. The sting itself is painful, sharp, and often followed by swelling and redness. For most people, it’s unpleasant but manageable.
Hornets
Hornets have a stronger sting. Their venom is more potent, which means the pain can be worse and the swelling more intense. Some people say it feels like a burning sensation that lasts longer. Again, they can sting more than once, and they’ll do it quickly if they feel threatened.
Both wasps and hornets can cause allergic reactions in some people. If you have symptoms like difficulty breathing, swelling in your face or throat, or dizziness after being stung, you need medical help straight away.
Do they serve a purpose?
It’s easy to think of wasps and hornets as pests. They sting, they buzz, and they show up where they’re not wanted. But both insects actually have a role to play in the environment.
Wasps
Wasps eat other insects like flies, caterpillars, and spiders. That makes them natural pest controllers in your garden. They also help pollinate flowers, although not as much as bees do.
Hornets
Hornets do a similar job. They eat a lot of pests—more than wasps, in fact. That includes flies, beetles, and other bugs that can damage plants. They help keep insect numbers in balance.
So even though you might want them gone from your house or garden, they’re still part of the bigger picture.
Are hornets more dangerous than wasps?
In some ways, yes. Hornets are bigger, their sting is stronger, and they can defend their nest fiercely. But they’re not naturally more aggressive. In fact, hornets are usually calmer than wasps unless provoked.
The danger comes when you disturb them or their nest without realising. Because they move in groups and act fast, you could get stung several times in seconds.
Wasps, on the other hand, can be more unpredictable, especially in late summer. They get irritable, they hang around in public spaces, and they’re more likely to sting over small things—like if you swat at them.
So both can be dangerous. The key is how you handle them.
What to do if you come across one
If you see a wasp or hornet nearby, your best option is always the same: stay calm. Don’t wave your arms. Don’t swat at it. Just move away slowly and steadily.
If it’s flying around your house, try to guide it out through an open window or door. If you can’t, use a glass and card to trap it, then release it outside.
If you find a nest, don’t go near it. Especially if you don’t know whether it belongs to wasps or hornets. Both types will defend their nests if you get too close. Call a professional pest control service to deal with it safely.
How to keep them away from your home
To reduce the chances of wasps or hornets coming near your home, it helps to make the area less appealing.
Here are a few simple tips:
- Keep bins sealed, especially food waste.
- Rinse out bottles and cans before throwing them away.
- Avoid leaving sweet drinks or fruit outdoors.
- Close windows and doors or use fly screens during the summer.
- Seal up any small gaps or holes around your home’s exterior.
These steps won’t keep every insect away, but they’ll reduce the number of visits.
Final thoughts
At a glance, wasps and hornets might look similar. They fly, they sting, and they often show up around the same time of year. But if you take a closer look, there are clear differences—size, colour, behaviour, and even how they build their nests.
Understanding the differences between a hornet and a wasp makes it easier to stay safe. It helps you know what you’re dealing with, how to avoid trouble, and when it’s time to call in help.
So next time you spot something buzzing past, don’t panic. Just take a moment. Look at its size, its colouring, and how it acts. That alone can tell you a lot—and give you the chance to act calmly and carefully.
You don’t need to be an expert to tell a wasp from a hornet. You just need to know what to look for—and now you do.
