What Do Hornets Eat? Understanding Their Diet

Key Takeaways

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  Hornet Diet: Hornets feed on sugary substances like nectar, fruit juices, and sap, as well as insects like garden pests, bees, and wasps.
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  Attraction Factors: Fallen fruit, sugary drinks, and a high insect population in your yard can attract hornets to your property.
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  Prevention Tips: Clean up food spills, secure trash bins, manage garden pests, and seal off potential nesting areas to deter hornets.
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  Signs of Infestation: Look out for frequent hornet activity, buzzing sounds, or visible nests; contact professionals for safe removal.

Hornets are those huge, aggressive insects that have the ability to make anyone second guess stepping into their own yard. They are not the ones you want hanging around, right? But here’s the main thing: understanding what hornets eat is keeping them away. If you know what attracts them, you can avoid becoming a buffet.  Hornets are omnivorous insects that eat a mix of protein-rich prey like flies, caterpillars, grasshoppers, and spiders, as well as sugary substances like nectar, fruit juices, tree sap, and occasionally human foods such as soda or candy. Whether you’re curious about hornets or dealing with a hornet infestation, knowing what hornets eat can help you manage them more effectively. In this article, we’ll explore the hornet diet, their food preferences, and how their feeding habits impact their behavior. 

What does a Hornet eat? Their Diet

You might think hornets are about causing trouble, but here’s a secret: they eat a bit of everything. Yes, these guys are omnivores. That means they’re looking for sugary stuff to fuel their energy and protein to grow their colonies.

3. The Whole Feeding Cycle

Here’s where it gets a little fascinating—hornets have a teamwork approach to eating. The adults don’t eat the prey they hunt. Instead, they chew it up and feed it to their larvae. Think of it like a fast-food delivery service. The larvae, in return, produce a sweet liquid (kind of like a syrup), and that’s the adult hornet’s reward. It’s like a sticky little trade-off that keeps everyone fed.

Why Are Hornets Visiting Your Yard?

Let’s be honest: we’re all about enjoying our outdoor spaces without being dive-bombed by hornets. So, what’s pulling them in? What are they looking for in your yard?

• Sugary Stuff: Fallen fruit, rotting vegetables, tree sap, or sweet drinks left unattended on your picnic table. If you’re leaving out food, hornets are coming to check it out.
• Insects to Hunt: They need insects to feed their growing colonies. If your garden is full of pests, hornets will likely pay a visit. A hornet isn’t going to go hunting in a barren yard—it’s the insects that draw them in.

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Interestingly, hornets are natural pest controllers. Since they prey on garden pests, they can help reduce the number of pests in your yard, such as aphids, caterpillars, and beetles. As the season progresses, hornets tend to shift their focus toward sweeter foods to build up energy stores for the colder months. This is why hornet activity can peak during late summer when they are most interested in sugary food.

What Insects Do Hornets Eat?

Hornets are opportunistic predators that play a critical role in controlling insect populations. They hunt a diverse range of insects and arthropods to fulfill their dietary needs, particularly for protein. Here are some of the common prey that hornets target:

Wasps

Hornets may prey on other wasp species, showcasing their predatory dominance within the wasp family.

Flies

They actively hunt various types of flies, including houseflies, fruit flies, and other smaller dipterans.

Caterpillars

Hornets are efficient at hunting caterpillars, which helps reduce caterpillar populations that can damage plants and crops.

Grasshoppers and Crickets

These insects are rich in protein and often become targets for hornets during the breeding season.

Moths and Butterflies

Hornets prey on both adult moths and butterflies as well as their larvae when accessible.

Spiders

Although not insects, spiders are part of the hornet’s diet due to their availability as protein-rich arthropods.

Why Understanding Hornet Diet Is Important?

Understanding what hornets eat can help you prevent infestations and reduce the risk of attracting hornets to your property. If you’re noticing hornets buzzing around your yard, there are a few things you can do to reduce their food sources and avoid encouraging them to nest nearby. Hornets are attracted to human food, especially sugary treats and drinks.

How to Manage Hornets Around Your Home?

Managing hornets near your property requires a cautious approach. Frequent sightings of hornets or consistent buzzing sounds around a specific area indicate the presence of a nest. Early action can help minimize risks.

Why Choose Our Hornet Control Services?

With expertise in handling different species and effective control strategies, we ensure your home remains hornet-free. Our professionals understand the best ways to target hornet infestations and other pest problems, providing long-lasting relief without compromising safety. Visit our Species, Control, and DIY Guide sections for additional resources on hornets and ways to tackle a hornet infestation. Need an estimate for pest control? Our team is standing by, ready to help. Get A Risk Free Estimate!