Large hornet sightings in Muskoka should be reported.
Northern giant hornets (Vespa mandarinia) pose a serious threat to Ontario’s agriculture and native biodiversity, including resident bees and wasps. They can also destroy honey bee colonies in less than 24 hours,” notes the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
If you see a large hornet you should report it here.
For more information:
Characteristics
Northern giant hornets are generally much larger than any other hornet and most wasps found in Ontario or North America
they have large, thick heads and can vary in colour; they can be different shades of orange, yellow and brown
worker hornets are approximately 3.5 cm in length
queens can be up to 4 to 5 cm in length, with a wingspan of 4 to 7 cm
the hornets normally build nests in the ground and typically forage within a 1 km radius, but are known to go as far as 8 km from the nest
Northern giant hornets may be confused with other species of wasps that occur in Ontario; they can only be confirmed by an expert or specialist
