Giant Hornet?

[KLK]

Hi

Just looking for a bit of advice. In the last few days we have seen two 2" long hornets in our garden. EEK

We are in rural Gloucestershire and have lots of apple,plum & cherry blossom in the garden at the moment.. Is it likely we have a nest?

Are these harmful my children play around the trees all the time?

Thanks

[adrian]

Hi, at this time of year it will probably be a queen hornet as they have just come out of hibernation and are about to start nesting. A friend of mine has been studying hornets for 30 years, they have been quite rare. Over the last few years in gloucestershire, they have become more common. The queen will start a small nest then when they have workers, they will move on to build another nesting site. At the moment they shouldnt be a problem. Dont be afraid.
My friend has moved lots of nests to other locations for stroud council .
I hope this helps you.

[Dogghound]

Hornets are very placid and tend not to be as aggressive as the other smaller wasp species. They tend to nest in areas with lots of dead wood and sometimes within buildings. So your actual orchard will probably be unsuitable for them unless you have old trees in it. They will certainly enjoy feeding on and windfall later in the year though. I would enjoy them and not worry to much.

[KLK]

Thank you both for your replies very reassurring.. much appreciated
Karen

[nursie]

Myself and work colleagues observed one in the garden at work on Sunday, this is a rural area near to Lincolnshire/Nottinghamshire border. It droned around (like a Lancaster bomber!)for a few mins around the bird table, then off it went. Saw one last yr same time of year.

Beast wishes nursie.