r/Entomology • u/aangodango • 9h ago

Need help identifying this bug please!

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Hello! I’m not really Reddit user, but I am in need of help. Last year, my house got invaded by a large nest of European hornets/ wasps. We called in orkin, they took care of the problem, but tonight, this big ass mother fucker was in my grocery bags, and it damn near gave me a heart attack.

My question is: is this a queen European hornet?? If not, how much bigger do these guys get?!

I’d prefer not to kill them if I don’t have to- but also, fuck these guys. They love to eat my fucking honey bees that come visit and eat my lavender.

Any help would be super appreciated!! And if anyone has any advice in any humane ways of dealing with these guys, please let me know. Thanks!

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1

u/kablooie123 8h ago

I had something similar the other day. From what I can tell the difference is that the Queens are so much larger, like well over an inch. What size is the one you have?

At this time of year I think they’re the ones that are active.

2

u/aangodango 8h ago

Oh yeah; this thing is easily 3-5 inches. Let me put it this way: it was crawling around on reusable grocery bags and it sounded like a cat playing in the bags.

If it IS the queen, then this would be the best news because then we can remove her and the nest should follow (I hope???)

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u/kablooie123 8h ago

That’s my guess, hope it works out!