This thing was huge!

[springcross]

This hornet appeared in our front room in April last year. It was huge - about 1" - 1½" long. It was a bit dopey so I was able to coax it into this container but then it turned and became a bit aggressive. I took it outside and shook the container hard in the hope that it would stun it so that we could let it go and run but it didn't work so hubby had to drop a large stone on it to kill it - I was a bit worried that if it started releasing its pheromones then we would get the swarm and we certainly didn't want that. It wasn't one of our native hornets as I think they are not so big but it was really scary.

[Hidden]

Yes last year we had some huge hornets. Yuk my son did s bit of research and said they were African.. not sure if they are the same

[springcross in reply to Hidden]

I don't know what this one was. It looks a bit dirty so it may have gotten into the front room via the flue pipe on the roof into the woodburner.

[dawkin_S]

Hornets are scary things, so big! It's the Asian ones you need to watch out for - it is actually recommended that you report any sightings of Asian Hornets, as they kill honey bees. This page has some info and also a link to an identification chart: nonnativespecies.org/alerts...

[springcross in reply to dawkin_S]

Hi Dawkin, thanks for the link. I have had a look and I think it was more like the European hornet because of the segments down the back and the pattern. I may send an email to the address on the link with a copy of the pic just to be on the safe side. I know it's closing the stable door etc, seeing as it was a year ago but you never know.

[springcross in reply to dawkin_S]

Hi again Dawkin. I have sent an email with the picture to the alertnononative address. If I hear anything back, I will let you know.

[dawkin_S in reply to springcross]

That's great - I expect they would like to get the data from you anyhow. I know that the people who do stag beetle surveys every year always want to know if you see any, alive or dead! So, I expect your letting them know will be helpful either way. Good work!

[springcross in reply to dawkin_S]

Thanks to you. x

[Hidden]

That has given me the heebie jeebies! 😳

[springcross in reply to Hidden]

Yes, it was a bit scary.

[Hidden in reply to springcross]

I had a nasty reaction yo a wasp sting. I adore bees, but wasps and Hornets are mean!

[springcross in reply to Hidden]

I had a bad reaction to a wasp sting many years ago in the infants school, I have never forgotten it.