Adult European hornets have a yellow abdomen with dark brown patterns while the thorax and head tend to have a darker red color. They are typically 1 to 1.5 inches long and are yellow, brown, and red with tinted wings. If possible, please provide additional images zoomed in on the thorax, wings and head, or visit the following publications to view comparison photos and look-alikes:

European Hornet

European Hornets and Look-Alikes | Ohioline

European Hornet in Kentucky | Entomology

European Hornets | NC State Extension Publications

The first option for control is to leave the nest until winter. European hornets create annual nests which, at their largest, may contain 200–400 workers (Penn State Extension, 2025). These workers will die of starvation or freeze to death as winter approaches. The overwintered, mated queens will not reuse old nests. Seal any openings or crevices around your property in the spring. 

Control can be achieved using any aerosol "Wasp & Hornet" spray that propels the insecticide about 10-15 feet. Direct the spray into the nest opening for 5-10 seconds, then move quickly away from the area to avoid any of the wasps that may emerge from the nest. You may need to repeat the treatment the following evening. Insecticidal dust can also be applied to the nest entrance at night.

When using either of the above-mentioned pest control products, it is advisable to wear a long-sleeved shirt and long pants, and to use the products according to labeled instructions.

Do not hold a lit flashlight or stand near car headlights or other lights; the wasps are attracted to light and may fly towards them. Turn off porch lights or flood lights illuminating a nearby nest to avoid drawing the hornets to structures at night.

If the nest is in an inaccessible area in your home or you are concerned about your ability to reach it with commercially available products, you may want to hire a pest control company to do the work.