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Plant Protection - German Hornet

The German hornet, also known as the giant hornet (Vespa crabro germana) was introduced into the U.S. in the mid-1800's in the New York area.  It is now present all along the Atlantic seaboard and as far west as Indiana.  This hornet was first recorded in Georgia in 1958 and is now statewide in distribution.

The adult hornet is predaceous on other insects and will also feed on nectar.  It has also been reported that it is a nuisance in apiaries, robbing hives and capturing bees.  The German hornet is considered a forest pest since it gnaws the bark from young trees and apparently uses the sap as a food source (Georgia Agricultural Experiment Station Research Bulletin #207).

You may control this insect by locating the nest and applying 5% Sevin dust to the entrance.  This may be done at dusk or after dark with a garden duster.  Wasp and hornet sprays that contain pyrethrin, allethrin, or resmethrin may also be used to kill the nest.  German hornets usually nest in preexisting cavities in hollow trees (although there have been reports of nests occurring in buildings).  Inside is the cavity is the nest carton.  Any control measures used without locating the nest will have only limited success. 

Stings and Reactions:

Care should be taken when trying to treat the nest.  These insects are large and normally avoid confrontations, however, they will defend their nest.  It is reported they have a painful sting.

A bee, wasp, or hornet sting is always potentially serious.  Bees have barbed stingers and leave their stinger in the skin.  The bee dies shortly afterward.  Wasps and hornets do not have barbed stings and therefore do not leave it in the skin.  The severity and duration of a reaction can vary from one person to another.  In addition, reactions to a sting may differ between occurrences.  Most people experience a local nonserious allergic reaction to venom.  However, depending on the location and number of stings received a serious reaction can occur.  Use ice to reduce swelling.  See a physician if there is any concern about an allergic reaction or if several stings are received.

IMPORTANT:  READ AND FOLLOW ALL LABEL DIRECTIONS AS IMPROPER USE OF INSECTICIDES MAY AFFECT ANIMAL AND HUMAN HEALTH.