Hornets are fascinating insects with unique eating habits that play a significant role in their ecosystem. Understanding what hornets eat can help you better appreciate these creatures and tackle hornet infestations.
Hornet’s Diet
Hornets are omnivores, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. Their diet varies depending on the season, the availability of food, and the specific needs of their colony. Hornets primarily feed on other insects, which makes them beneficial for controlling pest populations. They are particularly fond of soft-bodied insects like caterpillars, flies, and aphids. Hornets capture these insects, chew them up, and feed the protein-rich paste to their larvae.
Adult hornets, on the other hand, prefer a diet rich in sugars. They are attracted to nectar, sap, and ripe fruits. This sugary diet provides them with the energy they need for flying and hunting. You might also see hornets hovering around garbage cans or picnics, seeking out sweet beverages and food scraps.
Hornet Food Preferences
Hornets have specific preferences when it comes to their food. Their diet can be divided into two main categories: protein sources for the larvae and sugar sources for the adults.
- Protein Sources:
- Insects: Hornets hunt a variety of insects, including flies, caterpillars, beetles, and even other wasps. This predation helps control pest populations.
- Meat: Occasionally, hornets may scavenge on dead animals or meat scraps left by humans. This behavior is more common in late summer when the need for protein is high.
- Sugar Sources:
- Nectar: Hornets are attracted to flowers, where they consume nectar, which provides them with quick energy.
- Sap: Tree sap is another common sugar source for hornets. They often strip the bark of trees to access the sap.
- Fruits: Overripe and fermenting fruits are particularly attractive to hornets. They feed on the juices, especially in the fall when fruits are abundant.
- Human food: Sweet beverages, candy, and other sugary foods left outside can quickly attract hornets.
Hornet Eating Habits
Hornets have developed efficient eating habits that allow them to maximize their nutritional intake. They are known for their aggressive hunting techniques and ability to consume large quantities of food quickly. When hunting, hornets use their powerful mandibles to capture and chew their prey. They then carry the chewed-up insects back to their nests to feed the larvae.
The larvae, in turn, produce a sugary secretion that the adult hornets consume. This mutual feeding relationship ensures that both the larvae and adults get the necessary nutrients. During the summer, the focus is on protein to feed the growing larvae. As the season changes to fall, adult hornets shift their focus to sugary foods to build up energy reserves for the winter.
What Hornets Eat And What They Don’t Eat
| Hornets Eat | Hornets Do Not Eat |
| Sugary foods (candy, cakes, jams) | Dry foods like crackers or bread |
| Ripe fruits (apples, pears, grapes) | Unripe or green fruits |
| Meat scraps (leftovers, pet food) | Vegetables (unless they are fermenting) |
| Garbage with food residue | Clean plastic, paper, or metal items |
| Nectar from indoor plants | Non-flowering plants |
| Tree sap from houseplants | Non-sweet liquids (e.g., milk, tea without sugar) |
| Food spills and crumbs | Cooking oil or fats |
