Diet: European hornets eat tree sap, fruit, and honeydew.

Habitat: European hornets nest in hollow trees, barns, out buildings, hollow walls of houses, attics, and abandoned beehives. Unprotected nests are usually covered in a brown envelope made of cellulose from decayed wood.

Impact: European hornets can do a great deal of damage to trees and shrubs because they strip the bark to get to the sap. They also use the bark fiber to build their nests.
European hornets have smooth stingers, so they can sting repeatedly. Hornet stings carry venom that makes the stings hurt, itch, or swell for about 24 hours. A European hornet sting has the same risk of allergic reactions as with other insect stings.

Prevention:

1. Change exterior lights to yellow bulbs to reduce this pests’ attraction to your home or property.
2. Keep dust bins sealed and clean and regularly empty them.
3. Promptly remove any fallen fruit from trees, as it attracts the hornets.
4. Avoid hornet stings
5. Do not attempt to remove a nest on your own.
6. Vinegar apparently makes a good bait for water traps designed to capture and get rid of hornets.