Are there hornets in New Hampshire?

Yes — the European hornet (Vespa crabro) is the only true hornet established in New Hampshire. It is less common than yellowjackets or paper wasps but is present across the state, especially near wooded areas. What people often call a 'hornet' is usually a yellowjacket or bald-faced hornet (which is technically a yellowjacket relative). See the wasp-vs-hornet guide for a full comparison.

Is the 'murder hornet' or Asian giant hornet in New Hampshire?

No. The Asian giant hornet (Vespa mandarinia), widely called the 'murder hornet,' has never been confirmed in New Hampshire or anywhere in the Northeast. It was detected in the Pacific Northwest in 2019–2021 and has since been eradicated there. A large wasp in a NH yard is almost certainly a European hornet, cicada killer, or bald-faced hornet. See the full wasp-vs-hornet guide for identification.

Why is a big wasp hitting my window at night?

A large wasp or hornet flying at night and striking lit windows or lights is almost always a European hornet — they are the only colonial NH stinger commonly active after dark. They are attracted to artificial light. The behavior often indicates a nest in a nearby tree hollow, wall void, or attic. See the full guide for next steps, or contact Anchor for an inspection.

European hornet vs. cicada killer — how do I tell them apart?

European hornets are colonial, active at night, and build cavity nests; they have a reddish-brown thorax and brown-and-yellow coloration. Cicada killers are solitary, day-active ground-burrowers with amber wings and a black body with pale yellow marks. Both are large, but their behavior and nesting habits are very different. For a full side-by-side, see the wasp-vs-hornet guide.

European hornet · Vespa crabro

Stinging InsectsNH resident

European Hornet — Quick ID for New Hampshire Homeowners

Also called Giant hornet · Brown hornet

The European hornet is the only true hornet found in New Hampshire — a large brown-and-yellow insect with a reddish thorax that flies after dark and is often spotted bumping porch lights and windows. The 'murder hornet' (Asian giant hornet) is not established in the Northeast. This is the fast identifier; for the full wasp-vs-hornet comparison and removal, see the complete guide.

At a glance

Size: 25–35 mm; NH's largest colonial stinging insect; Vespa crabro
Color: Brown and yellow; reddish-brown thorax; NOT the crisp black-and-yellow of yellowjackets
Behavior: Nocturnal; active at night; attracted to lights
NH status: Only true hornet in NH; Asian giant hornet not established in Northeast

The short of it

Is it a European hornet?

The European hornet is New Hampshire's only true hornet and the largest colonial stinging insect in the state. It stands out by flying at night and striking lit windows — a behavior no other common NH wasp exhibits regularly.

This page is a fast identifier. For nest type, removal options, and the wasp-vs-hornet comparison, see the complete guide linked above.

Identify it

Quick European hornet ID

Brown coloring and nighttime activity immediately distinguish the European hornet from every other stinging insect in New Hampshire.

Species profile

European hornet

Scientific name: Vespa crabro
Family: Vespidae
Size: 25–35 mm
Coloration: Reddish-brown thorax, yellow abdomen with brown teardrop markings — duller and browner than a yellowjacket
Habitat: Hollow trees, wall voids, attics, barns, and dense wooded settings near homes; nests in cavities rather than aerially or in the ground
Active season: Late spring through first hard frost; uniquely active at night
Diet: Large insects (beetles, crickets, flies); also tree bark sap; larvae fed protein, adults also drink nectar
Lifespan: Colony lives one season; only fertilized queens overwinter in protected spots

Established across eastern North America including New Hampshire; less common than yellowjackets but encountered statewide, especially near mature wooded areas.

The tells — key ID features

Large and brown-toned — reddish-brown thorax distinguishes it from the crisp black-and-yellow of yellowjackets.
Nocturnal activity: flies after dark and thuds against lit windows and porch lights — no other NH stinger does this regularly.
Cavity nester: builds a papery brown nest deep inside a hollow tree, wall void, or attic space.
The only true hornet (genus Vespa) in New Hampshire; the Asian giant hornet ('murder hornet') is not found in the Northeast.

Is it actually this? — the confusion species

Cicada killer wasp

How to tell — Cicada killers are slightly larger, more rusty-amber, are day-active ground-burrowers, and are solitary — not colonial cavity nesters.

Yellowjacket

How to tell — Yellowjackets are much smaller (10–16 mm), crisp black-and-yellow (not brown), and day-active; they also build concealed nests in voids or the ground.

What you'll notice

Signs of a problem

Nighttime activity is the key tell.

Large hornets repeatedly bumping lit windows, porch lights, or interior lights after dark

What it means — European hornets — the only common NH stinger that forages at night.

A brown papery nest found deep inside a hollow tree, wall void, or attic cavity

What it means — European hornet colony — cavity-nesting, not an aerial open or ground nest.

When it's past DIY

European hornet removal in New Hampshire

European hornet nests inside wall voids, attics, or trees near the home are best handled professionally. Night activity and cavity nesting make DIY treatment difficult and potentially dangerous. The full guide covers nest types, treatment timing, and the wasp-vs-hornet comparison.

Signals it's past DIY

When to call a pro

A nest is suspected in a wall void, attic, or tree on or near the home.
Repeated nighttime bumping of windows or interior lights suggests an active nearby colony.
ID is uncertain — confirm it's a European hornet rather than a cicada killer or bald-faced hornet before any treatment.

Not sure it's a european hornet?

A licensed NH technician can confirm the species and tell you honestly whether it's a DIY fix or a job for a pro — free inspection, same-day service across Southern New Hampshire.

Get a Free Inspection (603) 785-0118

Common Questions

Frequently asked questions

Sources(3)

[1]
Penn State Extension — European Hornet
biology, nocturnal behavior, NH presence
extensionverified 2026-06-30
[2]
USDA APHIS — Asian Giant Hornet
Asian giant hornet not in Northeast
govverified 2026-06-30
[3]
Anchor Pest — Wasp vs. Hornet Guide
full NH comparison, removal
industryverified 2026-06-30

Written & reviewed by

Verified

Daniel Brady

NH-Licensed Pesticide Applicator · License #782664 (NHDAMF, RSA 430)

Daniel Brady is the New Hampshire–licensed applicator behind Anchor Pest Services, a family-owned pest control company serving the Manchester area since 2017.

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Last updated 2026-06-30

New Hampshire pest control

Dealing with european hornets in your home?

Anchor Pest Services identifies and handles european hornet problems across southern and central New Hampshire. Family-owned since 2017, NH license #782664.

Get a Free Inspection (603) 785-0118

NH-licensed applicators (#782664)
Same-day service · free inspection
Family-owned since 2017

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