Hornets and honeybees might look similar buzzing around your yard, but do hornets make honey like their bee cousins? At On Demand Pest Control, we’re here to set the record straight—and help you deal with these pests if they get too close to home.
Do Hornets Produce Honey?
No, hornets don’t make honey. Unlike honeybees, which craft honey to store as food, hornets lack the biological tools—like special nectar-converting glands—to produce it. Instead, they’re predators, hunting other insects and sipping nectar for quick energy without storing it.
Hornets vs. Honeybees: Key Differences
Hornets and honeybees may both sting, but their lifestyles couldn’t be more different. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Hornets | Honeybees |
|---|---|---|
| Honey Production | None | Yes, stores for winter |
| Diet | Insects, nectar for energy | Nectar, pollen |
| Role in Nature | Pest control, hunt insects | Pollinators, help plants grow |
| Stinging | Multiple stings, aggressive | Sting once, then die |
Searching “do hornets make honey”? Now you know—they don’t, but they’re still a force in the ecosystem.
What Do Hornets Eat Instead?
Hornets are all about protein and quick energy:
- Insects: They hunt flies, caterpillars, and even honeybees, chewing them into a paste to feed their larvae.
- Nectar and Sugary Substances: They sip nectar or aphid honeydew for fuel but don’t store it.
This predatory diet makes hornets natural pest controllers—though they can threaten honeybee colonies by wiping out hives in hours.
Hornet Nests and Behavior
Unlike honeybees, which build wax hives for long-term use, hornets create paper-like nests from chewed wood. These nests, often found in trees or under eaves, are abandoned each season. Hornet colonies are smaller than bee hives, with aggressive workers focused on hunting rather than honey-making.
The Danger of Hornets Near Your Home
Hornets don’t make honey, but they can make trouble. Their stings are painful, and they can sting repeatedly—unlike honeybees, which die after one sting. A nest near your home can become a hazard, especially if disturbed, as hornets get aggressive when defending their territory.
How to Keep Hornets Away
Prevent hornets from nesting with these tips:
- Seal gaps in walls and roofs.
- Keep trash bins closed and clear fallen fruit.
- Trim bushes and trees to reduce hiding spots.
- Avoid leaving sugary drinks or food outside.
