Identification

Wasps vs Hornets — UK Identification Guide

The four species you might encounter in a UK garden: common wasp, German wasp, European hornet and Asian hornet. Side-by-side comparison of size, colour, behaviour, nest type and what to do.

A European hornet and a common wasp shown side by side at the same scale on a wooden surface

The four UK species — at a glance

Species	Size	Body colour	Where you'll see it
Common wasp (Vespula vulgaris)	12-17mm	Bright yellow & black, anchor-shaped face marking	Throughout the UK in gardens, lofts, sheds. The 'standard' wasp.
German wasp (Vespula germanica)	12-17mm	Bright yellow & black, three small dots on face	Equally common as the common wasp; often indistinguishable to non-specialists.
European hornet (Vespa crabro)	25-35mm	Yellow & chestnut-brown (no pure black)	Larger gardens, wooded areas, tree cavities, sometimes lofts. Less common in dense urban areas.
Asian hornet (Vespa velutina)	20-25mm	Dark almost black; bright yellow leg tips	INVASIVE — confirmed UK sightings concentrated on south coast and East Anglia. Spreading north.

Wasps in detail

The "wasp" most people encounter is one of two species — the common wasp (Vespula vulgaris) or the German wasp (Vespula germanica). They are almost identical in size, behaviour and nest type, distinguishable only by the markings on the face. Both are 12-17mm, yellow and black, build grey papery nests, and are increasingly aggressive in late summer when the colony shifts from raising brood to scavenging carbohydrates.

European hornets in detail

The European hornet (Vespa crabro) is the UK's largest social wasp, with workers reaching 25mm and queens up to 35mm. Crucially, they are not just "big wasps" — the colouration is distinctly different, showing a warm chestnut-brown on the thorax and at the base of the abdomen alongside the yellow. European hornets are surprisingly less defensive than common wasps and rarely attack unless the nest is directly threatened.

They are also generalist predators rather than late-season scavengers — you will not typically find a European hornet interested in your pint or your jam sandwich. They build large nests in tree cavities, outbuildings, lofts and occasionally chimneys, and the workers fly notably late into the evening, including after dark.

Asian hornets — invasive, must be reported

The Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) is smaller than the European hornet but much darker — almost entirely black with one orange band on the abdomen. The single most reliable ID feature is the bright yellow leg tips, which neither European hornets nor wasps share. Asian hornets are a serious threat to UK honey bees and confirmed sightings must be reported to the National Bee Unit via the Asian Hornet Watch app.

See the dedicated Asian hornet UK guide for identification details and how to report.

Nest comparison

Species	Nest material & colour	Typical location	Mature size
Common wasp / German wasp	Grey paper from weathered wood	Lofts, wall cavities, soffits, sheds, underground	Football-sized; up to 5,000 workers
European hornet	Brown paper (uses fresher wood)	Tree cavities, outbuildings, lofts, sometimes chimneys	Larger than wasp nests; up to 700 workers
Asian hornet — primary nest (spring)	Light brown paper	Sheltered locations 4-6m up	Small — football-sized in spring
Asian hornet — secondary nest (summer/autumn)	Light brown paper	High in mature trees (10-30m up)	Very large — basketball-sized; up to 6,000 workers

Not sure what you have? Call us on 01727 789571 with a photo. We identify species for free in under five minutes and tell you whether treatment is needed at all.

Related guides

Frequently asked questions

Are hornets more dangerous than wasps?+

Per individual sting, a hornet sting is more painful than a wasp sting but not significantly more medically dangerous to a non-allergic adult. Hornets are also typically less defensive than wasps unless the nest is directly threatened. Wasps in late summer (August-September) are often the more aggressive species.

How can I tell a hornet from a large wasp at a glance?+

Size: a European hornet is roughly twice the body length of a common wasp. Sound: a hornet in flight produces a distinctively low, loud hum — much deeper than a wasp's higher-pitched buzz. Colour: hornets show a clear chestnut-brown alongside the yellow; wasps are pure yellow and black.

Are there any UK hornets that are protected?+

European hornets (Vespa crabro) are not specifically legally protected but are considered a beneficial native species. We treat them only when there is a genuine need (proximity to people, property). Asian hornets (Vespa velutina) are an invasive non-native species and confirmed sightings must be reported to the National Bee Unit — not treated privately.

Do I need a different treatment for a hornet nest?+

No. European hornet nests are treated using the same insecticide powder method as wasp nests, applied at the entry point. The colony is rendered inactive within hours. Same fixed price as a wasp nest.