What is a hornet and how to recognize it?
The hornet is a flying insect belonging to the Vespidae family. They are larger than common wasps, with some species reaching up to 55 mm in length. Its distinguishing features are its broad head, robust thorax and segmented abdomen, with colors ranging from yellow to reddish-brown. The hornet is often feared for its imposing appearance and venom-injecting sting.
What are the different types of hornet?
There are several species of hornet, including the European hornet(Vespa crabro) and the Asian hornet(Vespa velutina). The Asian hornet, accidentally introduced into France in the early 2000s, is particularly closely monitored as it poses a threat to bees and local biodiversity.
What is the life cycle of a hornet?
The life cycle of a hornet begins in spring, when the queen emerges from hibernation to establish a new nest. She begins by building a primary nest where she lays her first eggs. These eggs evolve into larvae, then into workers who take over to enlarge the nest and care for future larvae. In autumn, the queen produces males and new queens who leave the nest to reproduce. The cycle begins again when these new queens find a place to hibernate.
Are hornets dangerous to humans?
Hornets can be dangerous if provoked. Their sting, though painful, is generally harmless to most people. However, if allergic to the venom, a hornet sting can cause a severe allergic reaction, called anaphylactic shock, requiring urgent medical attention. It is advisable to avoid disturbing a hornet's nest and to contact professionals for their management.
How do I deal with hornets?
If you discover a hornet's nest, it's crucial not to attempt to destroy it yourself. Contact pest management services or the fire department, who have the equipment and expertise to deal with it safely. Keeping your distance and avoiding sudden movements in the vicinity of a nest are essential precautionary measures.
What preventive measures against hornets are recommended?
To prevent hornets from taking hold, we recommend :
How can I tell a hornet from a bee or wasp?
Hornets are often confused with bees and wasps, but there are several distinguishing features. Hornets are significantly larger than common bees and wasps. Their bodies are sturdier and their colors generally range from yellow to dark brown, unlike bees, which are hairier with more opaque stripes. Wasps, on the other hand, have a more slender abdomen and a more pronounced waistline.
Are hornets useful to the ecosystem?
Yes, hornets play a number of beneficial ecological roles. They help regulate insect populations by feeding on various species, which can help control pests. What's more, by visiting flowers to feed on nectar, they contribute to pollination, albeit to a lesser extent than bees.
What are the risks associated with hornets for local ecosystems?
The main ecological risk posed by hornets, particularly the Asian hornet, is their impact on bee populations. Asian hornets hunt and kill bees, which can seriously affect pollination and thus local biodiversity. Their presence can also disrupt the natural balance of ecosystems by eliminating other insect species essential to the food chain.
What ecological solutions exist to control the hornet population?
For ecological control of hornets, the use of selective traps in spring can be effective in capturing queens before they start a new nest. These traps must be used with care to avoid capturing other non-target insects. Encouraging the presence of natural predators, such as birds, can also help regulate their numbers without resorting to chemical methods.
What impact does climate change have on hornet populations?
Climate change can influence hornet populations in a number of ways. Warmer temperatures and milder winters often enable more queens to survive hibernation, increasing the number of nests each year. In addition, changes to ecosystems and habitats can enable hornets, including invasive species such as the Asian hornet, to colonize new areas, posing additional risks to local ecosystems.
