Can't actually see the nest. It is up inside of the willow tree but judging by the number coming and going there must be a pretty big one in there! They are quite amazing to behold albeit rather scary looking. I am anaphylactic to yellow jacket stings so I don't think they and I will get along too well! Do you agree that they look like Great European Hornets? Heard a bit of buzz from some people about the Asian Hornet...but my research makes that seem unlikely to me. Any thoughts?

DEFINITLY european hornets. there is no other species of hornet in north America. here is a photo to compare with yours:


i would LOVE to see the nest (i have been searching for one for a few years). would you be interested in seeing if you could get the nest out once they are done with it (that would be the beginning of winter)

i might even be interested in buying it from you so i can have it for my collection

Certainly! If I can get it I will give it to you! I have no use for it and certainly wouldn't take any money for it! I am sure the hornets would want it to go to someone who would truly appreciate their architecture! Any suggestions about how to tell when it is safe to try to get it out?

when you see NO activity whatsoever in the tree. you can even blow into the entrance way and if there are any left they should come out

i would not try to take it until it gets cold. late November/early December should be good. if you do it during a morning that is cold, even if there are any hornets left in the nest they would be too sluggish to attack. i would say below 32 degrees Fahrenheit is safe and i doubt there will be any left by the time it gets that cold anyway

thanks a bunch!!!!!!!!! = ) by the way these nests can be somewhat fragile so you want to be careful while removing it. good luck! and thanks again!