Wasp World Records – Part 2

The Largest Species of Wasp: Asian Giant Hornet

Following on from the largest wasp nest ever recorded, the Guinness Book of World Records also lists the largest species of wasp: the Asian Giant Hornet (Vespa mandarinia), native to Japan.

This formidable insect can grow up to 2.2 inches (about 5.5 cm) long with a wingspan of around 3 inches (7.5 cm), making it truly enormous compared to typical wasps.

Its venom is so powerful it can dissolve human tissue – ouch!!

Its venom is extremely potent and can dissolve human tissue, posing a serious threat to people and animals alike. Due to its size and venom, the Asian Giant Hornet is often feared and requires professional removal if found near homes or gardens.

If you have spotted hornets in your garden and need to get rid of hornets or remove a hornet’s nest, call in the professional pest control specialists now.

Recent Record-Breaking Wasp Nests

In New Zealand, German wasp (Vespula germanica) nests have been found growing to astonishing sizes. For example, a nest discovered in Martinborough measured approximately 1.8 meters long, 1.3 meters wide, and nearly 1 meter tall, housing an estimated 100,000 to 200,000 worker wasps.

Such nests are described as "frighteningly large" and "almost certainly perennial," meaning they survive multiple years, likely aided by climate change with milder winters and warmer summers.

The Guinness World Record for the largest wasp nest was recorded in New Zealand in 1963, measuring 3.7 meters (12 ft 2 in) long and 1.75 meters (5.25 ft) in diameter.

Another large nest found in Auckland in 2020 measured 3.75 meters tall and 1.7 meters wide.

Recently, a "monster" nest in South Auckland containing over 200,000 wasps was destroyed, highlighting the scale and challenge of managing these invasive pests.

Impact and Control of Large Wasp Nests

Large wasp nests like these have significant ecological and economic impacts, preying heavily on native insects and honeybee populations, and posing risks to human health.

The nests are aggressively defended by wasps, making removal dangerous without proper protective equipment and expertise.

Recommended control methods include professional pest control services using toxic baits such as Vespex, which wasps carry back to the nest, effectively destroying the colony safely.

Need Help With Wasp or Hornet Control in Herefordshire or Worcestershire?

If you spot hornets or wasps in your garden or discover a nest, do not attempt to remove it yourself. Contact professional pest control specialists like PGM Pest Control for Wasp Nest Removal and Control as well as Hornet Nest Removal for safe and effective removal.

Call us at 01981 540088 or email contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk for expert advice and 24-hour service in Herefordshire, Worcestershire, and surrounding local areas.

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About the Author

PGM & SON Pest Control is your trusted expert in pest management. Our award winning pest control team combines professional expertise with a passion for protecting public health and homes. When we’re not tackling pests, we’re sharing valuable insights to help you understand and prevent pest infestations.