What to know about hornets (Suzumebachi) in Japan

Hornets in Japan

Hornets are called Suzumebachi in Japanese. In Japan, several types of hornets live, ranging in size from 20mm to 40mm. One particular species of hornet, which typically inhabits temperate regions, is increasing in number due to global warming.

The character of Suzumebachi is its aggressiveness. They tend to attack and sting anything moving around their nest. Their poisonous stings may cause death if first aid is not given.

Where do hornets live?

They often nest and live in group in the following locations:
- Under trees
- Under the roofs or in the attics of houses
- Under bridges
- At the roots of trees (under the ground)

How do I avoid their attacks?

One of the most effective ways to stay safe is to always keep a safe distance from hornet nests. It's not a game-attempting to touch a nest for fun is a serious risk. When hornets sense potential threats, they emit a distinct clicking sound as a warning. If you hear this, the best course of action is to leave the area calmly and quietly.

The problem is that the hornet nests in hidden places, and you might encounter them while hiking, etc. So, precaution is essential, and what you can do to cope with their attacks are:

Avoid wearing black clothes

Hornets tend to attack moving objects in black. It is safer to put on clothes in white or bright colors.

Wear a hat

Those with black hair tend to be their target. Avoid wearing a black hat.

Do not wear perfume

Hornets have a strong sense of smell, and powerful scents can trigger an attack.

Wear long-sleeved shirts and long trousers

Hornets move quickly and sting quickly. Clothes may be a protector to avoid severe injuries.

Do not make a loud noise

Hornets are sensitive to noise, too. They sense the noise and come up to you.

Be more careful the following day after a typhoon is gone.

The hornets may be hiding nearby after losing their nest to the typhoon.

What to do when you encounter hornets

Letting the hornets calm down is the most important and;

Try Not to drive them out by hand

This action will make the hornets aggressive.

Do not move around. Do not make a big noise

Hold still and try not to scream out, though it is really scary.

Try not to run away

Hornets will fly after you run and will never stop the attack. Besides, you cannot run fast on bumpy trails in a mountain, which will bring another risk.

What to do when you get a sting

Treat immediately. Quicker is better.

Cleanse the sting with running water

Squeeze poison out of the sting

The poison may not be completely removed by squeezing, so this quick aid may or may not be effective, depending on the case. It must be better to use a poison remover.

Cool the sting down with cold water and put on some antihistamine ointment.

In case of severe injury, call an ambulance immediately (Call 119).

Keep cleansing the sting while waiting for the ambulance.

Ask someone for help by showing the Japanese phrase samples below

I got a hornet sting.
スズメバチに刺されました。

I need a first aid.
応急処置が必要です。

I need to cleanse the sting with water.
水で洗い流す必要があります。

Do you have a poison remover?
毒を除去する器具を持っていますか？

Do you have an ointment for it?
薬をもっていませんか？

Please call an ambulance for me.
救急車を呼んでください。

How do I remove a hornet nest?

Hornets sometimes build nests on houses in urban areas near mountains. They may have built a nest at your house without you realizing it. If you discover a nest on your property during hornet season, it's best to seek professional hornet nest removal services. It's important to avoid attempting to remove the nest yourself.

If you need to remove a hornet's nest by yourself, it's best to wait until the nest is empty. Hornets have a lifespan of about one year, and they all die in the winter, leaving the nest empty (except for the queen). As the queen becomes active again in the spring, it's safest to remove the nest in late February. Be sure to have insecticide ready in case any hornets are still alive in the nest.

Extra info: Hornet larvae, another delicacy

Hornet larvae, Hachi-no-ko in Japanese, have been eaten as a delicacy in some regions of Japan. The hornet larvae used to be a source of protein for people living deep in the mountains. Though insect food is less popular, it is getting more attention as a local specialty or while being concerned about food shortages globally.