We see them buzzing around flowers and plants, much like bees. This leads to a common question we hear at Carepest: if bees make honey, do hornets make it too? It’s a logical thought, but the answer might surprise you.
The simple and direct answer is no, hornets do not make honey. While they share some behaviors with bees, their diet, biology, and social structure are fundamentally different, making honey production impossible for them.
Let’s break down why that is and what you really need to know about these insects.
First, What is a Hornet?
The term “hornet” is often used incorrectly. Hornets are a specific type of wasp, and in the entire United States, there is only one true hornet species: the European hornet.
- European Hornets: These are large wasps, growing up to 1 3/8 inches long. They have a distinct brown and yellow-orange striped pattern.
You’ve probably also heard of the bald-faced hornet. Despite its name, this insect isn’t a true hornet at all—it’s actually a large species of yellowjacket. They are smaller than European hornets and have a distinct black and white pattern.
Why Don’t Hornets Make Honey? The Key Differences
The reason hornets can’t make honey comes down to two main factors: diet and anatomy.
- Their Diet is Different: Honey bees survive on a diet of nectar and pollen, which they collect and store. Nectar is the key ingredient for honey. Hornets, on the other hand, are primarily predators. They hunt other insects and spiders to feed their colony’s larvae. Adult hornets feed on sugary liquids like tree sap and fruit juice, but they don’t collect nectar in the same way bees do.
- They Aren’t Built for It: Honey bees have hairy bodies that are perfectly designed to trap and carry large amounts of pollen and nectar back to the hive. Hornets have smooth, almost hairless bodies, which means they can’t efficiently transport the materials needed to produce honey.
In short, bees are gatherers built to create food stores. Hornets are hunters built to prey on other pests.
The Real Danger of Hornets: The Sting
While you don’t have to worry about them producing honey, you do need to be concerned about their defensive capabilities. Hornets can be a significant risk to you and your family.
- Multiple Stings: Unlike a honey bee that can only sting once, a single hornet can sting you multiple times.
- Painful Venom: Hornet stings are known to be very painful and can cause significant redness, swelling, and itching at the site of the sting.
- Allergic Reactions: For individuals allergic to wasp venom, a sting can be a medical emergency, potentially leading to a severe reaction known as anaphylaxis. If you or someone you know is stung and experiences difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or dizziness, seek immediate medical attention.
What Should You Do About a Hornet Nest?
Hornets are highly protective of their nests. If a nest is located far from your home and poses no threat, it’s often best to leave it alone. The colony will naturally die off in the late fall, and hornets do not reuse their old paper nests the following year.
However, if a nest is built on or near your house—under an eave, on a porch, or in a shed—it presents a serious danger. Attempting to remove it yourself is extremely risky and can provoke the entire colony to attack.
This is where professional help is essential. The trained technicians at Carepest have the proper safety equipment and effective methods to handle hornet and wasp infestations safely. We can remove the nest and help you take steps to prevent them from returning.
If you have a hornet nest on your property, don’t take the risk. Contact Carepest today for safe and reliable pest control.